Potholes and Tyre Damage: What You Need to Know

The UK spent an estimated £3 billion dealing with pothole damage in recent years, and Wales — with its combination of cold winters, rural road network and heavy rainfall — has some of the worst-affected roads in Britain. For drivers, that means a constant risk of tyre and wheel damage. This guide covers what to check after an impact and when to take action.

What damage can a pothole cause?

• Sidewall bulge — the most common pothole injury. The impact pinches the tyre between the rim and the road edge, breaking internal cords. A bulge on the sidewall means the tyre structure has failed and it must be replaced immediately.
• Rim damage — a bent or cracked alloy can cause a slow or instant deflation
• Internal structural damage — not visible from outside, but the tyre is weakened and can fail later, sometimes at speed
• Tread damage — cuts or chunks missing from the tread face

What to check after hitting a significant pothole

If you’ve hit a pothole hard enough to feel it through the steering wheel, check all of the following as soon as you can safely stop:

• Walk around the car and visually inspect all four tyres for bulges, cuts or flat spots
• Check the tyre pressure with a gauge — a sudden drop indicates a puncture or rim seal issue
• Look at the alloy rim for cracks, bends or scraping damage
• Note any change in steering feel, vibration or pulling to one side — these indicate possible alignment damage

Can you claim for pothole damage?

In Wales, Gwynedd Council, Conwy County Borough Council and Transport for Wales (on trunk roads) are responsible for road maintenance. You can make a claim for pothole damage if:

• The pothole was reported previously (logged on the council’s system) and not repaired
• The pothole was large enough to constitute a hazard (generally 40mm deep or more)
• You can provide evidence of the damage and cost

We can provide an invoice for tyre replacement which you can use as part of a claim. Keep a photo of the pothole, its location, your odometer reading and the damage to support your case.

North Wales roads most likely to have pothole issues

Rural B and C-class roads across Gwynedd and Conwy are particularly susceptible. Routes through the Ogwen Valley, roads around Betws-y-Coed, and coastal roads in Anglesey often suffer after a hard winter. The A470 through mid-Wales can also cause problems. If you regularly drive rural routes, a monthly visual tyre inspection is particularly important.

If you’ve hit a pothole and are unsure about the state of your tyres, call us — we’ll come out and do a proper inspection, not just a visual.

Related reading: Potholes and Tyre Damage: Your Rights and What to Do