What Steps to Take After Hitting a Pothole on the Road?

Posted on May 15th, 2025.

Most of us have experienced the jolt and frustration of hitting a pothole.

One minute you're cruising along, and the next you're faced with the unsettling feeling of your wheel colliding with one of those things.

In that moment, you may be worried about potential damage to your car's tyres, suspension, or rims. 

But with a little knowledge and preparation, you can handle the situation effectively and prioritize the safety of yourself and your passenger

In this blog post, we will explore what you should do after hitting a pothole on the road.

Immediate Actions to Take Post-Pothole Impact

When you hit a pothole, the immediate focus should always be on ensuring your safety and that of your passengers. The first step is to find a safe spot to pull over as soon as possible. It’s important to remain calm and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control of the vehicle as you manoeuvre out of traffic.

Ideally, look for a lay-by or a quiet side street where you can stop without causing a hazard to other motorists. By pulling over safely, you’re taking the first step in what to do after hitting a pothole, setting the stage for a thorough examination of potential damage. Once safely parked, engage your hazard lights to alert others to your stationary position, a small yet effective measure ensuring your immediate safety.

After safely positioning your vehicle, the next logical step is to conduct a preliminary visual inspection for any apparent damage. It’s important to be methodical as you go through this checklist after hitting a pothole. Begin with a walk around the vehicle, paying close attention to the tyres and wheels, as these are often the most vulnerable parts. Check for any bulges or cuts on the sidewalls, which might indicate tyre damage, and examine the wheel rims for cracks or bends.

Don’t forget the underside of the vehicle, as the impact might have caused exhaust or suspension issues that could affect your drive quality. While performing this inspection, it’s helpful to feel rather than only look, as minor but crucial irregularities might be detectable to touch.

Simultaneously, it’s important to note details about the pothole itself and the context of your encounter. Pinpoint the exact location, perhaps using a GPS function if available, and jot down distinguishing details such as the road name and any landmarks. This information is valuable not just for your own records but also if you choose to report the pothole to local authorities, contributing to public safety by preventing potential damage to other vehicles.

In addition, documenting the incident thoroughly can be advantageous should you need to file a claim with your insurance provider. Remaining calm during this process helps you efficiently gather accurate information and ensures that you prioritise safety and practicality over any residual frustration from the incident. Each of these actions collectively forms a systematic approach to effectively manage the aftermath of hitting a pothole.

Identifying Signs of Pothole Damage

One of the most common signs of pothole damage involves the vehicle suspension system, which can suffer from misalignment or damage following the jarring impact. You might notice the car pulling to one side. Similarly, a slightly crooked steering wheel when driving straight can also indicate that your suspension has taken a hit.

Another symptom could be a rougher ride than usual, where every small bump and crack on the road feels exaggerated. Such changes in driving dynamics are often subtle yet significant indicators that should not be overlooked.

Further down the list, you should check for any peculiar noises. As you drive, listen closely to your car — an unusual clunking or rattling sound emanating from beneath the vehicle is often a red flag. This can be indicative of a loose or damaged component in the suspension or perhaps an issue with the undercarriage.

The shocks and struts, crucial parts of your suspension system that help absorb road realities, might be compromised. You might also hear sounds from the tyre area, which should not be taken lightly. A discernible thumping or whomping noise often signals car damage, specifically pointing towards tyre issues such as a bent wheel rim. Any such noises should prompt an immediate check to prevent underlying problems from becoming serious or hazardous.

Moreover, don't disregard alterations in vehicle handling that emerge after meeting with a pothole. This can manifest as a hesitation when steering or even excessive vibration felt through the steering wheel, signalling that something could be amiss with the steering system or the tyres.

A sudden dip in fuel efficiency can also provide a clue, as this might mean that the vehicle is working harder to maintain normal performance levels. It’s additionally worth noting any fluid leaks beneath the car, which could suggest that an impact has caused damage to your vehicle’s oil pan or other components susceptible to road shocks. Make sure to survey such signs promptly, as they might result in more expensive repairs if ignored.

Next Steps and Professional Assistance

After identifying any conspicuous signs of damage following your encounter with a pothole, it is necessary to move towards addressing these issues to prevent them from worsening. One of the primary areas of focus should indeed be the tyres. Often, the impact from a pothole can lead to noticeable tyre deformations like bulges or punctures which may not always result in an immediate flat but predispose the tyre to such a risk down the line.

For such scenarios, our flat tyre change service is readily available to provide you with the necessary roadside assistance. Yet, beyond this immediate fix, the importance of a thorough tyre repair cannot be overstated. Proper attention to any potential damage ensures that your tyres can safely navigate the roads. Equally important is an alignment check; remember, driving with misaligned wheels can not only result in uneven tyre wear but also compromise your vehicle’s handling, a serious concern especially on wet or icy roads.

Consider the state of your vehicle’s suspension system. This complex assembly of components often bears the brunt of pothole impacts. Even if there have been no immediate signs of trouble, seeking professional assistance to conduct a comprehensive inspection is wise.

Ultimately, regular maintenance and check-ups following such incidents are not merely precautionary but pivotal in ensuring your vehicle’s longevity and performance. The peace of mind this brings should not be understated, knowing that your vehicle has been meticulously examined and cleared by professionals and is thus fully fit for the road.

Furthermore, should a breakdown occur due to unnoticed damage, services like breakdown recovery are key. Efficient, competent roadside assistance can safely help retrieve your vehicle, minimising disruption to your day and ensuring that extensive repairs can be quickly initiated.

Moreover, it’s always good practice to invest a moment considering your longer-term vehicle safety and care strategy. Setting a routine to perform periodic checks or scheduling regular servicing can catch wear and tear early before it has the chance to develop into something more severe. Consider services like tyre rotation and balance, which help maintain optimal vehicle performance and can buffer against the harsh effects of repeated pothole encounters. Taking these proactive measures not only safeguards against future mishaps but also fosters a system of care, resulting in fewer emergencies and an extended lifespan for your vehicle.

Related: Avoiding Overheating on Long Drives: Tips and Tricks

Looking for Expert Assistance? 

As drivers, there is reassured comfort in knowing that no matter where your adventures might lead, a capable partner in vehicle health always accompanies you. In the Banbury region, this is precisely the type of dependable support Banbury Vehicle Breakdown Recovery aims to provide.

Our services are not limited to immediate fixes but extend to valuable insights into keeping your vehicle in prime condition, even in the face of unpredictable circumstances. Through our support, you can harness the assurance required to face any road situation confidently, knowing there's prompt assistance waiting just a call away. 

Reach out anytime you need dependable assistance to smoothly continue your journey, be it today or in the many miles ahead!

Give us a call at 07355 786785 or email [email protected] to resolve those inconveniences with ease.