To avoid any additional vehicle damage and expense caused as a result of driving over potholes, ensure your wheels are properly aligned. Driving over potholes can alter the vehicle's steering and suspension geometries or damage critical components which can reduce vehicle safety or generate extra running costs. By ensuring wheels are correctly aligned, drivers can minimise the effects of any pothole damage and ensure they remain as safe as possible.

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"The recent bad weather will inevitably increase the number of potholes we see on our roads which can cause a number of serious safety issues for drivers," explains Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation. "If a car's wheels are not correctly aligned it may pull to one side or cause vibrations in the steering wheel which can be distracting and make the vehicle difficult to control. By visiting your local garage or tyre dealer they will be able to perform some simple checks to make sure the wheels are correctly aligned, helping you to stay safe."

Save money

As well as the safety benefits offered by correct wheel alignment, motorists can also reduce their running costs. When a vehicle's wheels are properly aligned, it is less likely to suffer from premature tyre wear as the tyres point in the correct direction, reducing any 'scrubbing' action on the road surface. This also helps to reduce the rolling resistance of the tyres meaning that fuel costs are also reduced.

"When a driver has their wheel alignment checked, the garage will also be able to give the tyres a proper inspection to ensure they have not suffered any damage from the pothole," continues Jackson. "Cuts or bulges in a tyre mean that it is likely to have suffered some serious internal damage making it unsafe and illegal. The garage will also be able to check that the tyres have adequate tread depth and the correct pressure, both essential for safe driving."

Damaging evidence

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit also commented: "Hitting potholes can cause numerous problems, from blow outs, slow punctures and bent wheel rims - through to damaged shock absorbers. Hitting a large pothole is the equivalent of your tyre striking a small kerb at speed, so the damage can be considerable."