Hit a Pothole Recently? Here’s What to Check on Your Car

If you’ve driven anywhere in the UK recently, you’ll know the drill. You’re cruising along nicely… then suddenly - BANG. A pothole appears out of nowhere and your car takes the hit.

With cold weather, heavy rain and constant traffic, Britain’s roads are under pressure. And while we might joke about “needing off-road suspension for the school run,” the reality is that potholes and poorly repaired road surfaces are causing genuine damage to vehicles every single day.

At Foster & Heanes, we’re seeing more pothole-related repairs than ever, especially affecting tyres, steering, alignment and suspension.

So what exactly are these craters doing to your car?

When you hit a pothole, the impact transfers straight through the tyre into the wheel, suspension and steering components. Even one hard strike can cause damage -repeated impacts make things worse over time.

Tyre damage: the most immediate casualty

Your tyres are the first point of contact — and they take the brunt of the force.

Potholes can cause:

• Bulges in the tyre sidewall
• Cuts or splits in the rubber
• Internal structural damage
• Uneven or accelerated tread wear
• Slow punctures

A sidewall bulge might seem minor, but it’s actually a sign of internal damage and could lead to a blowout if ignored.

If your steering wheel suddenly vibrates or the car feels unstable after hitting a pothole, get the tyres checked as soon as possible.

Steering & wheel alignment issues

Ever noticed your car pulling slightly to one side? Or the steering wheel sitting slightly off-centre even when driving straight?

That’s often misalignment — and potholes are a common cause.

A heavy impact can:

• Knock your wheel alignment out
• Affect tracking
• Put strain on steering components

Driving with poor alignment doesn’t just feel uncomfortable, it increases tyre wear and reduces fuel efficiency.

If your car feels “not quite right” after hitting a pothole, don’t ignore it. A quick alignment check can prevent bigger costs later.

Suspension & shock absorber damage

Your suspension system is designed to absorb bumps — but it’s not indestructible.

Repeated pothole impacts can:

• Weaken or damage shock absorbers
• Crack or snap suspension springs
• Wear out bushes and joints
• Cause knocking or clunking noises

Over time, damaged shock absorbers reduce your car’s ability to grip the road properly, especially in wet conditions. That means longer stopping distances and reduced stability.

If your car feels:

• Bouncy after bumps
• Unstable around corners
• Noisy over rough roads
• Lower on one side

…it’s worth having the suspension inspected.

Warning signs after hitting a pothole

Keep an eye (and ear) out for:

• Steering pulling left or right
• Vibration through the steering wheel
• Unusual knocking noises
• Uneven tyre wear
• Warning lights appearing
• A sudden drop in tyre pressure

If you notice any of these, don’t wait for your next service or MOT, early checks often mean smaller repair bills.

What to do if you suspect damage

1. Check tyre pressure immediately.
2. Look for visible bulges or cuts.
3. Pay attention to changes in handling.
4. Book a professional inspection if anything feels different.

At Foster & Heanes, we can carry out:

• Tyre inspections & replacements
• Wheel alignment checks
• Suspension assessments
• Steering diagnostics
• Full vehicle health checks

Catching issues early helps prevent further wear and keeps you safe on the road.

The bottom line

We might laugh about the UK’s pothole problem, but the damage they cause is no joke. Small impacts add up, and what starts as a minor knock can turn into worn tyres, damaged suspension or compromised steering.
If you’ve recently encountered a “road crater” and your car doesn’t feel quite the same, it’s worth getting it looked at.

Call 01252 615657 to book a check.

Foster & Heanes - keeping you safe, steady and pothole-prepared on Britain’s roads.