If you drive in the UK during winter, chances are you’ve hit a pothole at some point. Sometimes it’s a small bump you barely notice. Other times it’s that horrible thud that makes you wince and immediately wonder what damage you’ve just done.
Potholes are especially common this time of year, thanks to cold temperatures, water in the road surface and heavy traffic. While not every pothole causes damage, it’s always worth knowing what to check afterwards, even if the car seems to be driving fine.
Start with your tyres
Tyres are usually the first thing to take the impact when you hit a pothole. Even if they don’t go flat straight away, damage can still occur.
Things to look out for include bulges on the sidewall, cuts in the rubber or a slow loss of pressure over the next few days. If the steering feels different or the car pulls slightly to one side, that can also point to tyre-related damage.
If anything looks or feels off, it’s best not to ignore it. Tyre damage can worsen quickly, especially in cold weather.
Check the wheel itself
Alloy wheels can bend or crack when they take a hard hit. Sometimes this is obvious straight away, but often it shows up later as a vibration through the steering wheel or a tyre that won’t hold pressure properly.
Even a small bend can affect how smoothly the car drives. If you notice shaking at speed or unusual vibrations after hitting a pothole, the wheel could be the cause.
Pay attention to the steering and alignment
Potholes can knock the wheels out of alignment, even if everything else looks fine. When this happens, the car may start pulling to one side, the steering wheel may sit off-centre, or tyres may start wearing unevenly.
Misalignment doesn’t always feel dramatic at first, but left unchecked it can shorten tyre life and affect handling. It’s one of the most common issues we see after pothole damage.
Listen for new noises
If you hear knocking, clunking or creaking noises that weren’t there before, especially when going over bumps or turning, it could indicate suspension damage.
Components such as springs, bushes or shock absorbers can suffer from a sudden impact. These issues don’t always show up straight away, which is why it’s worth paying attention in the days following a pothole hit.
Check your brakes
In some cases, potholes can affect brake components, particularly if the impact was severe. Changes in braking feel, new noises or vibrations when slowing down are all worth getting checked.
Brakes are a safety-critical system, so any change after an impact should be taken seriously.
Don’t ignore warning lights
Sometimes pothole damage can trigger warning lights, especially if sensors are affected. If a warning light appears after hitting a pothole, it’s your car’s way of telling you something needs attention.
Even if the car still drives normally, it’s best to have it looked at sooner rather than later.
When should you get it checked?
If the pothole impact was hard, or if you notice any changes in how the car drives, sounds or feels, getting it checked is always a sensible move. Catching issues early can prevent bigger problems and more expensive repairs later on.
Even if everything seems fine, a quick inspection can offer peace of mind, especially during winter when road conditions are unpredictable.
A final word on winter driving
Potholes are an unfortunate part of winter driving, but knowing what to look out for can make a big difference. A quick check after hitting one could save you from further damage down the line.
If you’re ever unsure whether a pothole has caused an issue, it’s always better to ask. A quick look can often put your mind at ease and keep your car driving safely through the colder months.
