UK Tyres and Potholes
Potholes are a problem caused by water freezing. Water seeps into cracks in the road or pavement and as the temperatures drop, the water freezes causing the water to expand. When the water turns to ice and expands it puts pressure on the cracks where it is sat, forcing it to split and crack. As the hole gets bigger the problem worsens and this makes bigger, deeper holes. Potholes in the road are responsible for millions of pounds of damage to car tyres and alloy wheels. The force of the vehicle going down the hole at speed can cause a puncture or worse – it could cause the wheel to buckle or even crack.
Local authorities have paid out 50 million pounds in compensation due to potholes not being repaired. Unfortunately potholes are something we are going to have to live with for many years as council budgets are reduced. Even if the councils were to receive the money they need to repair all the potholes it would take 11 years to catch up in England and 14 years in Wales. The cost to the economy is enormous with figures in the region of tens of millions of pounds. The cost to commercial drivers can be far greater. Van tyres and wheel damage could take a commercial vehicle of the road costing the company time and money whilst their driver sits at the roadside and cannot deliver or collect any goods.
The advice is to drive in plenty of space; leaving enough room between you and the driver in front will give you time to see a forthcoming pothole. If you you have no choice and have to drive through a pothole slow down as much as possible and keep your thumbs out of the steering wheel. If the pot hole grabs the steering you do not want broken thumbs! If after driving through a pothole you are concerned about the damage caused to your vehicle and tyres then have it checked out by an expert as soon as possible. It may be that your tyre will require replacing and we can assist you find the best UK tyres online and provide you with a tyre fitting service.