Can potholes damage rims?

Hitting a pothole can cause bent wheel rims, internal tire damage, alignment problems, and shock and strut issues depending on the severity of the impact. This doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll puncture your tires or damage your vehicle, but if you have any concerns, get it inspected.

How bad is hitting a pothole?

When you hit a pothole hard enough, it can stress out the plastic pieces and cause them to crack or break. And in severe cases, the plastic parts could fall off the vehicle completely. These parts aren’t cheap, so avoid hitting potholes at high rates of speed so you won’t sustain this type of damage.

How do you stop motorcycle potholes?

Avoid potholes, dips and overfilled potholes by riding around them. Make sure no other motorists are in your path as you avoid a hazard. Manhole covers tend to have deteriorated edges from snow plowing. Ride around them as well.

Do potholes affect alignment?

Not only are potholes a nightmare for your tires and suspension, but they can also impact handling and alignment. Frequently hitting potholes — or even just one bad one — can alter the angles at which your wheels come in contact with the road, potentially resulting in a safety issue and expensive repairs later.

Can a motorcycle handle a pothole?

A pothole can cause a big jolt in the front suspension, kick the handlebars about and possibly damage a rim. When a motorcycle runs into a pothole, the suspension should be at its resting sag point and as the wheel drops into the hole, the suspension actually extends a little to absorb the hit.

How can hitting a bad pothole affect your wheel alignment and require service?

What happens when a wheel hits a pothole?

When a wheel hits a pothole, it drops into the hole and has to roll out of it. The damage is almost never due to the wheel entering the hole, but rather the impact on exit. The amount of damage depends on the diameter of the tire, the depth and length of the pothole, and the speed of the vehicle.

How do I report a pothole on the road?

Whether you intend to make a claim for damage or not, your first priority should be to report the pothole to your local county, city or borough council. They can then arrange repairs and prevent any other similar incidents. Motorways and A roads in England are managed by Highways England and in Wales by Traffic Wales.

How much does pothole damage to your vehicle cost?

Pothole damage to your vehicle can easily be extended. Damage to the vehicle’s tires, hubcaps, struts, and alignment can quickly add up leaving some drivers with repairs costing up to a thousand dollars or more.

How does the size of a pothole affect the damage?

The smaller the wheel diameter, the more severe the impact, especially if the depth of the hole is the same as the diameter of the wheel. Longer potholes cause the most damage—to things like the vehicle frame or platform— because at practically any speed, the tire is likely to hit bottom before exiting.