UK drivers are facing an increasing financial burden due to pothole damage, with new data revealing a steep rise in repair costs. According to the latest Pothole Impact Tracker (PIT) report from Kwik Fit, the total bill for pothole-related vehicle damage has increased to £1.7 billion over the past year.
The average repair cost is now £144, the highest recorded since Kwik Fit began tracking the issue in 2013. This is an increase from the average of £120 last year. More worryingly, over a million drivers have had repair bills in excess of £300!
Tyres, Suspension, and Wheels
Potholes can cause quite a bit of damage to various vehicle components, with tyres accounting for 38% of all repairs, followed by suspension (28%) and wheels (22%). The rise of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in modern cars has added another layer of expense with nearly half (48%) of pothole-damaged vehicles requiring wheel alignment, while 34% needed ADAS recalibration.
Despite the financial strain, most of these costs are being covered by drivers themselves. 70% of motorists paid out-of-pocket for repairs, while only 6% successfully claimed compensation from local councils. Others turned to car insurance (16%) or tyre insurance policies like Kwik Fit’s Tyrecare (7%) for support.
Road Conditions Are Worsening, Say Drivers
Frustration is growing amongst UK drivers, with more than half (51%) believing their local roads have deteriorated over the past year. Only 16% think conditions have improved, and 62% don’t expect any positive changes in the near future, despite government pledges for increased road maintenance funding.
How to Minimise Pothole Damage
“It’s concerning to see that the downward trend of the last two years has gone into reverse in the latest figures. Anything which adds unnecessary costs to motorists is especially unwelcome in the current economic climate but even the financial burden is outweighed by the risk to safety. The main components which bear the bulk of the damage – tyres and wheels, suspension and steering – are interlinked. Even if a car is driveable after hitting a pothole, the impact may have compromised its handling, as can be seen by the fact that many drivers have had to have vital ADAS technology recalibrated. Not only do potholes present an immediate risk at the time of impact, they can have a longer term effect on its safety on the road.”
Dan Joyce, operations director at Kwik Fit
To reduce the risk of damage, Joyce offers the following advice:
- Maintain tyre pressure: Correctly inflated tyres absorb more impact.
- Adjust your driving style: Slowing down and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles allows more time to spot and avoid potholes.
- Check for damage: If you hit a pothole, monitor your vehicle for unusual noises or changes in handling. Some issues may not be immediately visible.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.