Potholes damage 1 in 4 tyres, so what should you look out for on your tyres?

Most British drivers will be familiar with the frustrations of poorly maintained roads, where potholes and uneven surfaces are a common occurrence.

Recent research conducted by HiQ Tyres & Autocare* suggests more than one in four tyre replacements in the UK are caused by the country’s deteriorating road conditions, with 28% of tyre replacements in the UK caused by damage from potholes and poor road conditions.

Driving on roads full of potholes doesn’t just make for uncomfortable driving – potholes are also one of the most serious tyre hazards, and in some cases, they can have a significant impact on your tyres.
So, if you are driving and feel any form of tyre impact, here at Davanti Tyres, we’d always recommend carrying out a visual check on your tyres – we’d suggest looking out for the following:

Sidewall damage

The most common problem after hitting a pothole is usually sidewall damage, as the tyre will typically hit the damaged road surface at speed, meaning the sidewall of the tyre can pinch itself together, causing a separation in the tread.

Remember, some damage may not always present itself on the outside of the tyre – the inner sidewall could also be damaged, so drivers should be cautious of how the vehicle drives after hitting a pothole, keeping a careful eye on any dashboard warnings which might indicate an issue.

Cracks and slow punctures

Cracks can also form in your alloy due to the impact of driving over a pothole. They can be difficult to spot from a visual inspection, however if left undiagnosed pressure can slowly escape from the tyre and cause sudden deflation.

If you do notice a constant loss of air pressure or find yourself having to inflate your tyres regularly, you may be experiencing a slow puncture due to pothole damage. If you do need to inflate your tyres after hitting a pothole, listen out for any air leaks, as this too can indicate a puncture.

Slow punctures may not seem like a major issue, but even a slight escape of air can mean a drop in tyre pressure and driving a deflated tyre may lead to even more damage to the tyre later on. Unfortunately, slow punctures are not always easy to notice, but if identified it’s best to have the tyre repaired or replaced as soon as possible by a professional.

Tyre bead

Another area of the tyre that can become problematic if damaged is the tyre bead – the connection between the rim and wheel which maintains an airtight seal. Damage to the tyre bead is caused by driving on an underinflated tyre, as the bead can slip and offer air the potential to escape.

Bead damage is noticeable when air bubbles form around the rim and this type of damage should be fixed by a professional to avoid any further damage to the wheel.

Listen

Finally, listen out for any noises that were not present before and be wary to see if the vehicle handles differently. Listen for any air leaks after inflating a tyre, as well as knocking noises whilst driving over bumps, any unusual noises present could suggest damage to the vehicle’s suspension. Remember to seek professional assistance if you notice any of these issues to ensure your car is safe to drive.

Here at Davanti Tyres, we know these issues can plague drivers, which is why we offer an Accidental Damage Guarantee to provide protection for drivers that may experience accidental damage to their tyres through normal road use. Where damage has occurred, you are entitled to a replacement tyre at a discounted price, which is proportionate to the amount of tread used on the damaged tyre. This means you get every millimetre of tread that you purchase.

Of course, if you believe you have suffered tyre damage as a result of a pothole, you should make a note of where the pothole is located, so that you can report this to the local authorities – main roads are managed by the National Highways and smaller roads managed by local councils.

Here at Davanti Tyres, we recommend that you are proactive with your tyre checks, ensuring timely repairs and using qualified professionals if your tyres have been damaged as a result of hitting a pothole or any uneven road surface.

For more information on tyre maintenance or if you have any queries on tyre damage, contact your local Davanti dealer.

Find out more here: https://davanti-tyres.com/accidental-damage-guarantee/

*https://www.tyrepress.com/2024/10/1-in-4-tyre-replacements-are-caused-by-severe-road-damage-hiq/