Pot Hole Goals

According to the Department for Transport about 1 million potholes will be fixed on UK roads in 2016, Figures reveal that more than 8.9 million vehicles have suffered steering, suspension or wheel damage as a result of potholes over the past year, leaving motorists with an estimated bill of £1.2 billion in repairs.

Hitting a small pothole can easily cause damage, yet despite insurance companies attributing as many as one in five mechanical vehicle failures to pothole-related damage - well over a third of people (40%) don't check their car after hitting one.

Beadle Motors Top Tips for Potholes

1. Stay alert - keep an eye out for potholes so that you can avoid them safely wherever possible

2. Reduce your speed - striking potholes at higher speeds can cause more damage to your vehicle

3. Avoid unnecessary braking - try not to apply your brakes when driving over a pothole. When you brake you tilt the vehicle forward placing more stress on the front suspension

4. Hold the steering wheel correctly - in extreme cases, potholes can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Make sure you are holding the steering wheel properly - '10 to 2' hands position to help you stay on the road safely

5. Check tyre pressure regularly - ensuring your tyres have the correct pressure can help minimise potential damage caused by potholes. Recommended tyre pressures can be found in your vehicle's handbook

6. Safety first - if you wish to inspect any damage to your car, ensure that you stop in a safe place. Only attempt to recover parts which may have fallen off, such as a hubcap, if it is safe to do so

7. Get checked out - if you have hit a pothole and suspect your car has sustained damage, we recommend you get the vehicle checked out by your local garage. Ask them to verify if there could be any other issues such as problems with tracking and wheel alignment, tyres or suspension

8. If in doubt - give us a call on 01430 872265