Hit a Pothole? Do This Immediately to Protect Your Tyre.

Pothole Tyre Damage: Why It's Serious

The UK's roads are in a deteriorating state. Local councils repaired a record number of potholes in 2024-25, but there are still millions across the country. A pothole hit at speed generates an enormous impact force on your tyre — far beyond what the tyre is designed to absorb. The result can be immediate (blowout, flat) or delayed (internal structural damage that causes a blowout days later).

What Happens to Your Tyre in a Pothole Impact

When a tyre hits a pothole, it is rapidly compressed and then rebounds. This pinching action can:

• Cause a pinch cut — a split in the inner liner or sidewall from the tyre being crushed between the pothole edge and the rim
• Create a sidewall bulge — caused by broken internal cords or belts within the tyre structure
• Cause immediate air loss (obvious) or hidden structural damage (dangerous)
• Damage the alloy wheel — cracking, bending, or scuffing the rim
• Misalign the wheel alignment and suspension geometry

What to Do Immediately After Hitting a Pothole

Step 1: Stay Calm and Control the Car

Don't brake sharply immediately after the impact — if a tyre has deflated rapidly, sudden braking can cause a loss of control. Hold the steering wheel firmly, slow down gradually, and move to a safe area.

Step 2: Pull Over and Inspect

Once safely stopped, walk around the car and inspect all four tyres. Look specifically for:

• Sidewall bulges: A lump or bubble on the tyre sidewall is a sign of broken internal cords. The tyre is dangerous and must be replaced immediately.
• Cuts or splits: Any cut in the sidewall means the tyre is finished.
• Visible deflation: If the tyre looks lower than normal, it has likely lost pressure.
• Rim damage: Look for cracks, chips, or visible bending on the alloy. Even if the tyre looks okay, a damaged rim can cause slow air loss.

Step 3: Check Tyre Pressure

If you have a tyre pressure gauge (or your car has TPMS), check the affected tyre's pressure. A significant drop confirms damage. Even if pressure seems normal, internal damage can be present — sidewall bulges are possible without any pressure loss initially.

Step 4: If Any Damage Is Found — Call TyreBlitz

A sidewall bulge, a cut, or significant pressure loss means do not drive on the tyre. Call 0208 079 1031 and we'll come to you. Driving on a damaged tyre risks a blowout — especially at motorway speeds.

Sidewall Bulge: The Silent Danger

A sidewall bulge is one of the most dangerous conditions a tyre can be in. It looks like a blister or lump on the tyre sidewall. What's happening internally is that the fabric cords that give the tyre its structure have broken. The rubber outer layer is the only thing holding the air in. It will fail. The question is when — and it could be at 70mph on a motorway.

A tyre with a sidewall bulge must be replaced immediately. It cannot be repaired. Do not drive on it.

Can I Claim for Pothole Damage?

Yes — you can claim against the local council or Highways England if the pothole caused damage. To support a claim:

• Photograph the pothole (with a size reference — a coin, hand, or ruler)
• Note the exact location (road name, nearest junction or landmark)
• Keep all receipts for repairs (tyre replacement, alignment, rim repair)
• Report the pothole to the relevant authority via their website
• Submit a formal damage claim — councils have legal duty of care for road maintenance

Success rates vary, but documented claims with photographic evidence have a reasonable chance of partial or full reimbursement. TyreBlitz can provide a detailed receipt and engineer's report if needed for your claim.

Preventing Pothole Damage

• Maintain correct tyre pressure — under-inflated tyres have less cushioning and are more vulnerable to pinch cuts
• Avoid potholes where safe to do so — scan the road ahead, especially at night and in wet conditions
• If you can't avoid a pothole, release the brakes just before impact — a rolling tyre absorbs impact better than a locked one
• Keep tyres at correct tread depth — worn tyres offer less protection against impact damage