Pothole Damage: Signs to Look For and What to Do Next

A hard pothole hit can damage more than a tyre. It can bend a wheel, knock the alignment out, or break a spring or suspension part. Watch for a new pull, vibration or clunk, have the car checked soon, and report the pothole to the council, especially if you want to claim.

What damage can a pothole do?

• Tyres: bulges or cuts in the sidewall. A bulge means the tyre's structure is damaged and it needs replacing.

• Wheels: buckled or cracked rims, which can cause vibration and slow air leaks. Low-profile tyres on large wheels are most at risk.

• Alignment: the wheels can be knocked out of line, making the car pull and wearing the tyre edges quickly.

• Suspension and steering: broken coil springs, leaking shock absorbers and damaged arms, bushes or joints.

What are the warning signs after hitting a pothole?

1. The car pulls to one side, or the steering wheel is no longer straight when driving straight.

2. A vibration through the steering or seat, often worse at higher speeds.

3. A new knock or clunk over bumps or when turning.

4. The car sits lower at one corner or feels bouncy.

5. A tyre pressure warning light, or a tyre that keeps losing air.

If you notice a sidewall bulge or the steering feels wrong, stop driving on it at speed and get it looked at. Our guide to strange noises from your car may also help.

Why should pothole damage be fixed quickly?

Small problems spread. Poor alignment can wear out a pair of tyres well before their time, and a damaged suspension part puts extra load on others. Broken springs, worn joints and damaged tyres are also MOT failure items, so leaving them can mean a bigger bill at test time.

How do I report a pothole or claim for damage?

Report the pothole to the council responsible for the road. For roads in the borough that is Barnsley Council, and for motorways and major trunk roads it is National Highways. Reporting helps get it fixed and creates a record.

To claim, contact the highway authority's claims process and keep:

• Photos of the pothole, ideally with something for scale, and its exact location

• The date and time it happened

• Repair quotes or invoices that describe the damage

Councils can refuse a claim if they can show the road was being inspected and maintained reasonably, so a claim is not guaranteed.

Common questions

How do I know if my tracking is out?

Common signs are a crooked steering wheel, the car drifting on a straight road, and uneven wear on the inner or outer edge of the tyres.

Can a buckled alloy wheel be repaired?

Sometimes, if the damage is minor. A cracked wheel or badly bent rim usually needs replacing for safety.

Should I tell my insurer?

Check your policy. For smaller repairs, an insurance claim may affect your no-claims discount, so many drivers claim from the council or pay for the repair themselves.

Hit a pothole in or around Barnsley?

Our service centre in Barnsley, South Yorkshire can check tyres, wheels, suspension and steering, and give you a written description of any damage for a claim. Our labour rate is £80 per hour plus VAT, and our menu prices include VAT. Call Customer Care on 01226 574321.

This guide is general information, not legal or financial advice. Updated October 2026.