We’ve all been there. You see a pothole but you’re too late to avoid it. But what should you do to best avoid damaging your car or causing an accident? And is there anything you should be doing before you set off that would help? Here’s some helpful advice to help minimise the damaging effect of potholes.

Preparing your vehicle

The first thing to do to reduce the risk of damage to your car from potholes is make sure your tyres are in good condition and inflated according to the correct pressure. A properly inflated tyre will create a cushion of air between a pothole and a vehicle helping to withstand the impact and minimise any damage. To find out what the recommended pressure for your tyres is, check behind the driver’s door, under the fuel cap or in the owner’s manual

As well as checking the tyres, it’s important to make sure the car is regularly serviced to make sure the suspension is well maintained. Suspension problems can make damage from a pothole more severe and more expensive.

And before setting off check that your lights are working properly, that your windscreen wipers are functioning well and that your windscreen washer fluid is topped up. If you ensure that you have a clear view of the surface of the road it can help you avoid potholes in the first place.

Driving techniques

Whilst you should always drive carefully there are a few driving techniques that are helpful for avoiding potholes. The simplest solution is to drive around them, although this isn’t always possible, especially in the dark or when they’re not clearly visible. As long as it’s safe to do so, one way to lessen the damage is to slow down if you see a pothole ahead. The slower you’re driving, the less impact there’ll be on your tyres and suspension.

You should also try to maintain enough space between you and the car in front. This will allow you to more clearly see the road ahead and keep an eye out for any potholes. Where possible and safe, drive around puddles too as there could be potholes hidden beneath patches of water.

When driving over a pothole, make sure you keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to remain in control of the car. The dip in the road can cause your vehicle to change direction suddenly, which can be dangerous for yourself and other road users. Straightening your wheels will also mean you hit the road defect head on, which is better than making contact at an angle as this can cause more damage to your wheels. Braking directly over the hole is not recommended. If you haven’t managed to slow down beforehand, try to continue at the same speed over it rather than braking.

It’s also important not to swerve at the last minute. Even though this may be your natural reaction to avoid inflicting damage on your car, it can be dangerous if you veer into another lane. Making sudden turns also means that you’re more likely to hit the hole at an angle.

If you think that a wheel, tyre or another part of your car has been damaged after making contact with a cavity, slow down and pull over in a safe place to inspect your vehicle. It may be that you have a flat or punctured tyre, or another problem, and need to call for assistance.

By properly maintaining your vehicle and practicing safe driving habits, you stand a much better chance of minimising the damage caused by potholes or avoiding them altogether. If you come across a cavity in the road that is particularly large or deep, it may also be worth reporting it to your local council so it does not pose a risk to other motorists in the future.

If you think a pothole has caused damage to your car and would like us to take a look at it simply call us on 01202 694758 or email us at info@star-tech.co.uk.