Pesky Pot Holes

Pot holes are becoming an increasing problem on Britain’s roads, some even describing it as an epidemic. A combination of freezing and wet winters, have caused our roads to crack and become more susceptible to moisture damage. Condition deteriorates even more as cars drive over damaged tarmac, which then causes damage to the road beneath its surface layer, making problems even worse.

But it’s not just Mother Nature wreaking havoc with our roads. Dwindling council budgets are also to blame as local authorities’ find themselves strapped with compensation bills for vehicle damage due to pot holes, making it harder to fix the problems in the first instance.

TyreSafe is urging drivers to make even more regular checks for damage to their tyres and wheels. It warns that drivers failing to do so face an increased risk of being involved in a tyre related accident.

It might not be easy to avoid pot holes but we’ve put together some hints and tips that may help you if you are driving on roads susceptible to pot holes...

• Protect yourself and your car, by keeping your eyes peeled for pot holes. Watch your speed and also watch out for large puddles in the wet weather – pot holes can easily hide beneath them!
• Leave plenty of distance between yourself and the car in front. You may need to change direction or swerve to avoid areas of damaged roads. Always be wary of other road users and pedestrians - if you do need to change course suddenly, you’ll be prepared.
• If you do hit a pot hole, try not to brake. If you do the vehicle will tilt placing more stress on the front suspension.
• After hitting a pot hole, a buckled wheel or lumps in the tyre are the most obvious signs of damage. Driving with such damage could cause a danger to you or other drivers on the road. It is essential that if you notice either of these things you should pull over and change your wheel for your spare, or call your breakdown assistant.
• Hidden problems can be just as dangerous as obvious ones. Hairline cracks in alloy wheels can cause your tyres to lose pressure slowly. Tyres driven underinflated for long periods are more likely to overheat and then suffer from rapid deflation. If this occurs on a motorway or dual carriageway the consequences could be devastating. Find out more on Tyre Damage and Safety here.
• After hitting a pot hole it’s important that you check your tyre pressure over the next few days. This way you can see if you are losing pressure gradually and if you do suspect damage then visit your nearest tyre specialist as soon as possible. Find more information on Tyre Pressure here.
• If you notice any difference in your tyres feel or handling when driving after hitting a pot hole, you should have your tyres checked by a specialist as soon as possible.
• Suspension and wheel alignment are very commonly affected by hitting pot holes. Usually simple adjustments or fixes can be made, but driving over a long period without having such problems fixed can cause long term damage to your car and your tyres. Find out more about wheel alignment and suspension here but having them checked if you hit a pot hole is as essential as checking your tyres.

The Malvern Tyres Group have branches all over the Midlands, South Wales and South West England. If you have tyre or car damage due to pot holes, call your nearest branch and arrange to have your car and tyres checked by our specialist staff.