Potholes are a constant menace on our roads, and no driver is immune to their frustrating effects. Whether you're on a busy motorway or a quiet country lane, a sudden encounter with a pothole can cause more than just a jolt – it can do serious damage to your car.
At Foster & Heanes, we understand how common pothole-related issues are for drivers in the Fleet area.
With four garages – F&H, Hester’s, Alfanatic, and VW Autos – we’re here to help you identify and fix any damage caused by those pesky road hazards.
Read on to find out how to spot signs of pothole damage and why it's important to get your car checked after a hard hit.
How Potholes Damage Your Car
Potholes are formed when water seeps into cracks in the road surface, causing the pavement to weaken. When vehicles repeatedly drive over these weakened areas, the road surface collapses, leaving behind a hole. Unfortunately, hitting a pothole can cause several issues, from minor inconveniences to serious mechanical problems.
The impact of driving over a pothole can lead to:
• Tyre damage
• Wheel misalignment
• Suspension issues
• Steering system problems
• Exhaust and undercarriage damage
It’s important to pay attention to your car after hitting a pothole, as some damage might not be immediately noticeable but can worsen over time.
Here are the key signs to watch out for:
1. Tyre Damage
Your car's tyres are the first point of contact with a pothole, making them especially vulnerable.
Hitting a pothole can cause:
Punctures: Sharp edges of the hole can puncture the tyre, causing a flat.
Sidewall bulges: The impact may cause the tyre’s sidewall to bulge, which indicates internal damage and could lead to a blowout.
Tread separation: The pothole can weaken the tyre’s structure, causing the tread to separate from the tyre, which can be dangerous at high speeds.
What to look for:
After hitting a pothole, check for any visible damage like bulges, cuts, or flat spots on the tyre. If you notice any unusual vibrations while driving, or if your tyre loses air pressure, it's essential to have it inspected.
2. Wheel Alignment Issues
One of the most common results of hitting a pothole is wheel misalignment. Even a small misalignment can cause uneven tyre wear, reduced handling, and a rougher ride. Misaligned wheels also make it harder to steer, which can be dangerous, especially at high speeds.
What to look for:
If your car starts pulling to one side or the steering wheel doesn’t sit straight when driving on a flat, straight road, it's likely that your wheel alignment has been knocked out of place. Bringing your vehicle to one of our garages for a wheel alignment check can prevent uneven tyre wear and improve your driving safety.
3. Suspension Problems
Your car’s suspension system is designed to absorb the impact of bumps and dips in the road, but a deep pothole can overwhelm it, leading to damage. Pothole impacts can cause bent or broken suspension components like shock absorbers, struts, or control arms, affecting your car’s stability and comfort.
What to look for:
If your car feels excessively bouncy, if you hear clunking or knocking noises when driving over bumps, or if the ride feels much rougher than usual, these are clear signs that your suspension may have been damaged. A damaged suspension system can reduce the handling and safety of your vehicle, so it’s important to get it checked quickly.
4. Steering System Damage
The sudden jolt of hitting a pothole can affect your car’s steering system, especially if the impact is hard enough to knock parts of the system out of alignment. This can make it difficult to control your car, particularly during turns.
What to look for:
If you notice that your steering feels looser than usual, or if there’s a noticeable vibration through the steering wheel, it could indicate damage to the steering components. In this case, it's important to visit one of our Foster & Heanes garages for a full inspection.
5. Undercarriage and Exhaust System Damage
Potholes can be quite deep, and depending on the height of your car, hitting one at speed can cause the undercarriage or exhaust system to scrape or hit the ground. This can lead to damage to the exhaust pipe, muffler, or even cause leaks.
What to look for:
If you hear unusual noises, such as scraping or rattling from under the car, or if you notice a drop in fuel efficiency, it’s worth having your exhaust system checked. Damage to the undercarriage or exhaust could lead to more serious (and expensive) repairs if left unchecked.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Pothole Damage
While some pothole damage is immediately noticeable, other issues can develop gradually and worsen over time. Ignoring minor signs of damage can lead to bigger problems down the line, resulting in costly repairs or even safety risks. For example:
- Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear, reducing the lifespan of your tyres and increasing the risk of a blowout.
- Suspension damage can compromise your car’s handling, making it less safe in emergency situations.
- A damaged exhaust system can lead to harmful fumes entering the cabin or reduced fuel efficiency, costing you more in the long run.
By getting your car checked after a significant pothole hit, you can address small issues before they become major repairs.
Why Choose Foster & Heanes for Pothole Damage Repairs?
At Foster & Heanes, we’ve been serving the Fleet community for years, offering high-quality repairs and servicing at our four locations: F&H, Hester’s, Alfanatic, and VW Autos.
Our experienced technicians have seen it all when it comes to pothole damage, and we’re equipped with the latest diagnostic tools to quickly identify and fix any issues.
Book an Inspection Today
If you’ve recently hit a pothole and are concerned about potential damage, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Bring your car to one of our Foster & Heanes garages for a professional inspection. Our team will identify any issues and get you back on the road safely.
Call us today on 01252 615657 or visit www.fosterandheanesltd.co.uk for more information of the variety of repairs and servicing schedules we offer!