If you’ve ever jolted over a pothole in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or anywhere else in the UK, you’ll know how disruptive they can be. 15th January is National Pothole Day, so we thought we'd take a look beyond the annoyance to understand what potholes are, the damage they can cause to your car, who is responsible for fixing them, and what options you have if your vehicle is damaged because of one.

What are potholes, and what causes them?

Potholes are depressions or holes in the road surface that form when the tarmac weakens and breaks apart. In the UK, the most common causes include:

• Water penetration into road cracks followed by freezing and thawing
• Heavy traffic stress, especially buses, lorries and frequent commuters
• Ageing and wear and tear of the road surface

Potholes often get worse after periods of wet weather because water weakens the structure beneath the tarmac, and as vehicles pass over the weakened patch, pieces break away. Over time, this creates deeper holes, often just when we least want them.

What damage can potholes do to your car, and how much might that cost?

Potholes are more than a bump in the road. Many of us will have experienced the depressing, and costly, consequences of pothole damage. Here's a lowdown of the most common damage hitting one at speed can do:

• Tyres - from bulges to punctures
• Wheels (alloys or rims) - bends and cracks
• Suspension components - shock absorbers and struts
• Steering and alignment - pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear

Even if you don’t see visible damage straight away, issues can emerge later, like alignment problems or uneven tyre wear. Depending on what’s affected, repair costs can quickly mount into the hundreds of pounds.

Signs your car may have been damaged by a pothole

Hitting a pothole doesn’t always cause instant, obvious damage. In fact, some of the most common issues only show up after a few days of driving. If you’ve recently hit a pothole, here’s what to watch out for.

Your steering feels off

If the steering wheel feels off-centre, the car pulls to one side, or it no longer feels as stable as it did before, a pothole may have knocked the wheel alignment out. This can affect handling and cause uneven tyre wear if left unchecked.

New vibrations or shaking

Vibrations through the steering wheel, especially at certain speeds, can point to a bent wheel, damaged tyre, or suspension issue. Even a small buckle in an alloy can cause noticeable shaking once you’re back up to speed.

Tyre damage or loss of pressure

Potholes can cause:

• Sidewall bulges
• Slow punctures
• Sudden loss of tyre pressure

If your tyre warning light comes on or a tyre looks misshapen, it’s worth having it inspected as soon as possible.

Unusual noises

Clunks, knocks or rattles, particularly when driving over bumps or turning, can be a sign of suspension damage. Potholes put a lot of force through suspension components, and worn or damaged parts often make themselves heard.

Car feels less comfortable or stable

If the ride suddenly feels harsher, bouncier, or less controlled, shock absorbers or springs may have been affected. This isn’t always obvious straight away but can make the car feel noticeably different.

Uneven or accelerated tyre wear

Damage caused by a pothole can lead to tyres wearing unevenly over time. If you notice one edge wearing faster than the rest, it’s often linked to alignment or suspension issues triggered by an impact.

When should you get it checked?

If something doesn’t feel right after hitting a pothole, it’s always best to get the car checked sooner rather than later. Catching issues early can:

• Prevent further damage
• Reduce repair costs
• Keep the car safe to drive

Even if there’s no visible damage, a quick inspection can give peace of mind, especially if the pothole impact was significant.

How to report a pothole, and who fixes it

In England, local roads (including most streets and rural routes) are maintained by local highway authorities, for example Oxfordshire County Council or Buckinghamshire Council, while strategic routes like motorways and major A-roads are maintained by National Highways.

If you spot a pothole:

• Visit your local council’s online reporting tool (e.g., “Fix My Street” pages)
• Include the exact location and a photo if possible
• Good reports help councils prioritise repairs and can be useful later if you want to claim compensation.

To report a pothole in Oxfordshire, click here.

To report a pothole in Buckinghamshire, click here.

Local road condition: How Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire are rated

In the latest Local Road Maintenance Ratings 2025 to 2026, the Department for Transport introduced a traffic-light system to show how well councils are maintaining their roads, including pothole repairs. Authorities are rated green (best), amber, or red (lowest) based on road condition, spending on maintenance, and use of best practice.

Both Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire currently hold an amber overall rating, meaning performance is mixed and there’s room for improvement in road condition and maintenance practices.

Amber doesn’t mean everything is bad, it means councils are doing some things well but still face challenges in fully optimising road repairs and investment. These ratings are public and were introduced to help drivers see how their local roads measure up.

Can you claim compensation for pothole damage?

Yes, but it’s not automatic. You may be able to claim compensation from your local highway authority if you can show:

• The pothole existed and was not repaired within a reasonable period
• You gave clear details of where and when it was, ideally with photos
• You have evidence of repair costs (like invoices)

Councils have specific procedures for claims, and many will only pay out if they failed to meet their maintenance obligations. It’s worth checking your local authority’s claims process on their website and gathering as much evidence as possible.

To find out more about making a claim in Oxfordshire, click here.

To find out more about making a claim in Buckinghamshire, click here.

Final thoughts

Potholes are more than a driver irritation, they can cause genuine vehicle damage and cost real money.

National Pothole Day on 15th January each year is a good reminder that being informed - from understanding what potholes are, to knowing who you can report them to and how to claim for damage - can put you in the best position as a driver. If you drive regularly in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire or surrounding areas, keeping an eye on local road ratings and reporting problems promptly helps make roads better for everyone.

Do you think your car has been damaged by potholes?

The best advice we can give you is to get it checked out earlier rather than later. Our team of Service Advisers and Techs deal with a lot of pothole damage and can quickly and easily spot any problems, or put your mind at rest. It's easy to get in touch with us, either book online or give us a call on 01844 21 55 66.