The Quick Answer
After hitting a pothole, pull over somewhere safe and check each tyre for bulges, cuts and pressure loss. A damaged sidewall cannot be repaired and the tyre should be replaced. If the pothole damaged your car, you may be able to claim from the authority responsible for the road, but you will need evidence. For a puncture or damaged tyre, our emergency puncture repair service covers Greater Manchester.
6 signs a pothole has damaged your tyre
| Sign | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Bulge or bubble in the sidewall | Internal cords have broken | Stop driving on it, replace the tyre |
| Visible cut or crack | Tyre structure damaged | Replace the tyre |
| Pressure keeps dropping | Puncture or bent wheel causing a leak | Check pressure, get a puncture inspection |
| Steering wheel vibration | Bent wheel or tyre damage | Have the wheel and tyre checked |
| Car pulls to one side | Tracking or suspension damage | Book a tracking check |
| Tyre pressure warning light | Sudden pressure loss | Check all four tyres |
What to do straight away
- Slow down gradually and pull over somewhere safe. Never stop on a live carriageway.
- Look at all four tyres and wheels, not just the one that hit the hole.
- Check the pressures. If a tyre is low, do not keep driving on it.
- If you see a bulge, a deep cut or a bent wheel, call for help rather than driving on.
Our emergency puncture repair and mobile tyre fitting teams at One Stop Mobile Tyres 24/7 can inspect and replace damaged tyres at your location across Greater Manchester. Call 0161 399 5851.
Why a bulge means replacement
A bulge shows that the tyre's internal structure has been damaged by the impact. The tyre can fail without warning at speed, so it should be replaced rather than repaired. A puncture in the tread can often be repaired, but sidewall damage cannot. If you need a replacement, our mobile tyre fitting service can fit it where you are.
How to collect evidence for a claim
- Photograph the pothole with something for scale, such as a coin or tape measure, and note the exact location.
- Photograph the damage to the tyre, wheel and car.
- Note the date and time, and keep the repair estimate and receipts.
- Keep the damaged tyre if you can, as it may be requested as evidence.
Who do you claim from?
The authority responsible depends on the road. Local roads are generally the responsibility of the local council, and motorways and major trunk roads are managed by National Highways. You can find the right authority through the GOV.UK pothole reporting service. Each council has its own claim process and conditions, so check the official claim page for the authority covering your road. Meanwhile, get the tyre checked: our mobile tyre fitting team can inspect it and give you a receipt for your claim.
Will the council pay?
Not always. Councils often defend claims where they can show they had inspected and maintained the road reasonably. A strong claim usually has clear evidence, a prompt report and receipts. This is general information, not legal advice. If a claim is large or disputed, consider getting independent advice.
Why potholes damage tyres
When a wheel drops into a pothole and hits the far edge, the tyre can be squeezed between the road edge and the wheel rim. This can break the cords inside the sidewall, even if the outside looks fine at first. The damage can appear later as a bulge. Speed makes it worse, and so does low pressure, because a soft tyre has less cushion. Tyres with a low profile, which have thinner sidewalls, are more likely to be damaged. Check your pressures often: see tyre pressure in cold weather.
Damage beyond the tyre
A pothole hit can affect more than the tyre.
| Part | Possible damage | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel | Bent or cracked rim, especially on alloys | Vibration, pressure loss, visible dent |
| Suspension | Shock absorbers, springs or arms | Bouncing, knocking noises, uneven ride |
| Tracking or alignment | Wheels knocked out of line | Car pulls to one side, off-centre steering wheel |
| Steering | Track rod ends or steering rack | Loose or vague steering |
| Underside | Exhaust or undertray | Scraping or rattling |
If you notice any of these after hitting a pothole, have the car checked before a long journey.
Can a pothole-damaged tyre be repaired?
| Damage | Repairable? |
|---|---|
| Nail or screw puncture in the central tread area | Often yes, if done to the UK repair standard (BS AU 159) |
| Cut or bulge in the sidewall | No, replace the tyre |
| Damage near the shoulder or edge of the tread | Usually no |
| Damage where the tyre meets the rim | No |
| Tyre driven for some distance while flat or very low | Usually no, as internal damage is likely |
A technician has to inspect the inside of the tyre as well as the outside, which is one reason a proper repair is more than a plug from the outside. For a proper repair or replacement, call One Stop Mobile Tyres 24/7.
How to reduce your pothole risk
- Keep your tyres at the correct pressure. Under-inflated tyres are more likely to be damaged.
- Look well ahead and leave a gap to the car in front so you can see the road surface.
- Ease off before the pothole, not in it. Braking hard in the hole can put extra strain on the front tyre and suspension.
- Don't swerve suddenly into another lane or towards a kerb.
- Be careful after rain. Puddles can hide deep holes.
- Slow down on poor roads and avoid carrying heavy loads you do not need.
Costs and insurance
The cost depends on the tyre size, the type of tyre and any other damage. Keep every receipt and estimate, as you will need them for a council claim. If you claim on your own insurance instead, remember that your excess applies and it may affect your no-claims bonus. Check your policy before deciding. For a clear quote on tyres, contact One Stop Mobile Tyres 24/7.
Hit a pothole? Get your tyre checked where you are.
We'll inspect the tyre and wheel, repair or replace it on the spot, and give you a receipt for your claim, anywhere in Greater Manchester.