How Are Potholes Made?

These lethal potholes are created when moisture seeps into cracks in the road, then in the cold temperatures, it freezes. Like how water in an ice cube tray expands when it freezes, the water under the pavement expands, and the road surface is forced to bend and crack, causing a weakening in the pavement. 

Eventually, when the ice melts, it leaves gaps under the surface, allowing this cycle to repeat and become even weaker! More trucks and cars will go over this same weak spot as time goes on. So the material will become displaced and break away, resulting in a deadly and dangerous pothole.

You may be surprised to find out that during Spring, potholes are even more likely to occur. This is due to temperatures frequently fluctuating above and below freezing, so it is essential to know why you should avoid them and what damage they can cause.

How Can a Pothole Damage a Car

As motorists, we can all relate to that dreaded feeling of terror when you thought that a slight dip in the road would be smooth but instead it felt like your car just fell down a crater! After hitting the pothole, Your Car may have damage caused by the impact., Including cracked alloys, knocked out tracking and wheel balancing, buckled wheels, damaged suspension components and lumps in the tyre. 

Some common signs of pothole damage include:

• Your car pulls to one side, which is an issue with wheel alignment

• Punctures and/or bulges in the tyre

• Dents in the wheel rim

• Fluid leaks

• You may hear an unusual noise from your exhaust

• It may feel as though the car is slightly bouncing or making a noise when driving, this could be an issue with the suspension

How to Avoid Damage to Your Car

Sometimes it may be impossible to avoid a pothole, but when there’s a possibility of avoiding them and the damage that comes with them, you definitely should! So here are MotorServ UK’s top tips for avoiding dangerous potholes: 

• Keep your eyes peeled, and stay alert! Especially in rainy weather, deep potholes can be hidden as puddles 

• Keep your distance from the car in front to clearly see when a pothole is ahead. 

• Don’t go speeding over them, as this can cause more damage to your vehicle than if you were driving slower

• If you can’t avoid it, drive over the hole with care so that the wheel rolls freely into the hole

• See a professional and get your car checked! If your vehicle is damaged from a pothole, and you can hear any noises or the Car isn’t driving the same,

Claim For Pothole Damage

Did you know that you may be able to claim compensation if a pothole damages your car? Whether your pothole claim is successful will significantly depend on whether the pothole has been reported previously. This is because local councils and local authorities cannot be held liable if they are not aware of it from a report or through their inspections or maintenance.

When reporting a pothole, it is important to do your research! You should review the guidance provided on council websites and how your council is maintaining the road regarding their system of inspection and repair. 

How MotorServ UK Can Help

MotorServ UK is here to save the day when your Car suffers from pothole damage! If you are not sure whether your car wheels are correctly aligned, you can have them checked at MotorServ UK to put your mind at rest. Wheel alignment at MotorServ UK is an inexpensive procedure that doesn’t take too long to rectify.

A 4-wheel alignment check will also spot any worn or damaged parts that may cause problems in the future, potentially saving you money by not having to pay for costly repairs and replacement tyres sooner for example! Your car will also drive more efficiently, which will save you money in reducing fuel costs. 

Contact the team today at MotorServ UK to find out more!