🕳️How Potholes Damage Your Tyres — and How to Get Compensation in London

London's Pothole Problem

TfL and London's 32 boroughs receive thousands of pothole reports every year. The combination of heavy traffic, aging road surfaces and freeze-thaw cycles creates a constant supply of wheel-wrecking hazards — particularly on side streets, the A-road network and roads with recent utility works.

What Happens When You Hit a Pothole

A sharp-edged impact creates a pinch puncture — the tyre is compressed violently between the pothole edge and the rim. Even if the tyre holds air initially, the impact can fracture the internal structure, creating a bulge that may fail suddenly days later at speed.

Signs of Pothole Damage to Check Immediately

• Sidewall bulge — a lump on the sidewall means internal failure. Do not continue driving.
• Instant flat tyre — the pothole has caused immediate tyre failure
• Vibration after impact — possible rim damage or internal tyre issue
• Pulling to one side — may indicate wheel alignment damage

What to Do Immediately After a Pothole Impact

1. Pull over safely and inspect all four tyres for bulges or cuts
2. If a sidewall bulge is present, stop driving — call FixMyTyreNow on 07895 859505
3. Photograph the pothole, your tyre damage, and note the exact location and time

How to Claim Compensation

You may be able to claim from the relevant highway authority. You need to show they were aware of the pothole and failed to repair it within a reasonable time. Gather:

• Photographs of the pothole and damage (dated and geolocated if possible)
• Garage or tyre replacement receipts
• Report of any previous complaints about the same pothole

Submit via the local council or TfL website, or through your insurer. Many claims are settled for tyre and rim replacement costs.

Need emergency tyre replacement after a pothole? FixMyTyreNow — 20-minute arrival, 24/7, all 32 London boroughs. Call 07895 859505.