What to do if your car hits a pothole

One of the major irritations for motorists on South African roads is the dreaded pothole. Roads across the country are covered in them and for many, there is no way to avoid coming up against some on a daily basis. Pothole damage to your vehicle can be expensive and time-consuming to fix, so here are a few things to consider:

How to avoid potholes:

• Always be on the lookout for new road potholes, especially if you drive the same route every day. Make a note of where they are situated.
• Avoid driving too fast, so you can avoid them by carefully swerving around them.
• Keep a gap between yourself and the vehicle in front. If they swerve or brake suddenly due to a pothole, you don’t want to risk hitting them.
  
  

What to check for after hitting a pothole:

Pull over when it’s safe to do so and do a quick scan of your car:

• A burst tyre is a common result of hitting a pothole. Even if it doesn’t blow, it may still have suffered damage.
• Check wheel rims for dents.
• Check the undercarriage for any damage, which could cause leaking fluids or rust.
  
  

Whilst driving, look out for these signs of damage:

• You may feel your steering wheel ‘pull’, which could be an indication that your wheels are no longer correctly aligned.
• If your car feels like it’s swaying or out of control, especially on the turns, you may have damaged the suspension.
• The exhaust may start to make strange noises after hitting a pothole.
  
  

What to do if you detect damage:

• Take a photo of the pothole and any damage caused.
• Phone your insurance company to request information about cover for pothole damage.
• You can report a pothole to [email protected]
  
  

While potholes may be a constant on South African roads, you can make sure you are sufficiently covered for any damage with Tyre and Rim guard, which allows you to claim for accidental damage to your vehicle’s tyres and rims.

The information contained in this article is for information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

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