Pothole Damage and Your Tyres: What to Inspect After a Big Hit

West Yorkshire's road network has faced years of criticism for its pothole problem, and local drivers know all too well the stomach-dropping thud of hitting a deep one at speed. Beyond the jarring experience, pothole impacts can cause serious — sometimes invisible — damage to your tyres, wheels, and suspension.

Immediate Signs of Tyre Damage After a Pothole

The most obvious sign is a sudden loss of pressure or a tyre that goes visibly flat within minutes of the impact. However, internal damage doesn't always show itself immediately. Pull over safely as soon as possible after a significant impact and visually inspect the tyre for bulges, cuts, or cracks — particularly on the sidewall. Any bulge whatsoever means the tyre must be replaced; it indicates a broken internal cord and represents an immediate blowout risk.

What About the Wheel Itself?

Pothole impacts can crack or bend alloy wheels, which prevents the tyre from maintaining an airtight seal. If your tyre keeps losing pressure slowly after an impact but no puncture or damage is visible, have the wheel inspected for cracks. A cracked alloy cannot be safely repaired in most cases and requires replacement.

Alignment and Suspension

Beyond the tyre and wheel, a severe pothole impact can knock your wheel alignment out of tolerance. Signs include the car pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear appearing over subsequent weeks, or steering that feels imprecise. If you suspect alignment damage after hitting a pothole on a Leeds or West Yorkshire road, get it checked promptly to protect your new tyres.