UK road safety charity provides vital guidance to mitigate the risk of a tyre-related incident after an impact.
On this National Pothole Day, TyreSafe highlights the importance of pulling over, provided it is safe to do so, to perform vital tyre checks to ensure the safety of their continued journey after hitting a pothole. The road safety charity dedicated to raising awareness of tyre safety, is urging road users to not only inspect their tyres as soon as it is safe to do so, after an impact, but to also reduce the risk of an incident related to pothole impacts by ensuring that their tyres are appropriately inflated to decrease the risk of damage to the tyre, wheel and suspension.
As part of the Pothole Partnership, The AA can reveal that pothole related incidents fell by 0.67% in 2024 when compared to the previous year. However, 2024 figures are still the third highest since 2017, with an estimated 1700 road users facing damage to their vehicles as a result of road defects.
In 2024, the AA handled 643,318 incidents of tyre, wheel, steering, and suspension damage caused by potholes, signifying a substantial impact on approximately 2 million vehicles nationwide due to inadequate road maintenance. Potholes can cause unseen damage to tyres and wheels, putting drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk.
How to check your tyres after hitting a pothole:
- Inspect for visible damage – Look for cuts, bulges, or tears in the tyre sidewall.
- Check tyre pressure – A drop in pressure could indicate internal damage.
- Look at wheel alignment – Steering pulling to one side may indicate alignment issues.
- Seek professional advice – When in doubt, consult a tyre specialist.
TyreSafe emphasises the importance of properly inflated tyres, which play a crucial role in dampening impacts from potholes. Properly inflated tyres act as a cushion, helping to absorb the impact when a vehicle hits a road defect, in turn protecting the wheel and suspension. In addition, properly inflated tyres also support the tyre’s structure through the correct internal air pressure.
If a tyre is incorrectly inflated, road users are at an increased risk of experiencing a blowout, caused by the tyre’s sidewall striking the rim. Tyre pressure also plays a significant role in protecting other vehicle components that can succumb to damage when striking a pothole, including the suspension, shocks and struts, springs, control arms and ball joints.
TyreSafe campaigns throughout the year, using the ACT acronym, (air pressure, condition and tread) to support road users in performing regular maintenance on their tyres to reduce the risk of incidents and costly repairs.
- Air Pressure – Underinflated tyres waste fuel and wear out faster. Make sure your tyres are pumped up to the right level. You can check your pressure using an accurate gauge, and can find the correct pressures on the drivers’ door sill or inside the fuel cap.
- Condition – Inspect your tyres for cuts, bulges, or other damage that could cause a blowout. If in you notice any visible damage, have a tyre professional inspect your tyres.
- Tread: Ensure your tread depth is legal and effective for gripping the road, especially in wet conditions. The legal limit for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three quarters of the tyre. The legal limit for motorcycles over 50cc is 1mm across three quarters of the width of the tread pattern and with visible tread on the remaining quarter.
“Potholes are not just a frustration for drivers; they’re a serious safety hazard,” said Stuart Lovatt, TyreSafe Chair. “Raising awareness of the dangers posed by potholes is essential. Regular tyre checks and maintenance after hitting a pothole can help mitigate risks and reduce the likelihood of future incidents. If you’re unsure whether your tyre or wheel is damaged, always seek professional advice.”
While the UK government has announced a landmark increase in local road maintenance funding, enough to fix over 7 million additional potholes in 2025-2026, road users must remain vigilant. TyreSafe also proudly supports the Pothole Partnership, a coalition that includes the AA, National Motorcyclists Council, British Cycling, IAM RoadSmart, the British Motorcyclists Federation, and JCB. Together, this coalition is committed to tackling the growing pothole epidemic and its impact on road safety.
TyreSafe urges all road users to remain proactive in maintaining their tyres to ensure safer journeys for all. For more information on tyre safety, visit TyreSafe.org.
