The Truth About Potholes | 1st Call Windscreens (2024)

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Potholes are the bane of any motorist’s existence, particularly here in the UK. If you’ve held a driving licence for any length of time, you’ll know that the pothole problem is getting seriously out of control. They can appear suddenly and cause significant damage to vehicles, affecting everything from tyres to suspension systems.

In this article, we’ll explore why potholes are so common, the effects they have on our streets and cars, whether they can cause windscreen damage, and tips for avoiding such damage.

Why Are Potholes Common?

Potholes form due to a combination of traffic wear, weather conditions and the nature of the materials used in road construction. Here’s a closer look at the key factors that contribute to their existence:

Freeze-thaw cycles

In colder climates, such as a biting British winter, water seeps into cracks in the road surface and freezes. As the water freezes, it expands, causing the pavement to crack and weaken. When the ice melts, it leaves gaps which can collapse under the weight of traffic, forming potholes.

Heavy traffic

There’s so much traffic on the roads these days that the constant pressure and vibrations weaken the road surface over time.

Poor drainage

Poor drainage systems allow water to pool on roads, increasing the risk of water penetrating the pavement layers. This speeds up the deterioration process, which will ultimately lead to potholes.

Poor construction

Roads built with low-quality materials or construction techniques are going to be more susceptible to damage and lead to weak spots that develop into potholes more quickly.

The effect of potholes on our streets and cars

Potholes not only make driving uncomfortable but also pose a serious threat to vehicle health and road safety. Here are some of the common impacts:

• Vehicle suspension: Driving over potholes can cause significant damage to a vehicle’s suspension system. This can lead to poor handling and increased wear on other suspension components.
• Tyres and wheels: Potholes can cause tyre punctures, sidewall bulges and even complete blowouts if you’re really unlucky. They can also bend or crack wheels, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
• Alignment issues: Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle’s wheels out of alignment, resulting in uneven tyre wear and reduced fuel efficiency. Misalignment can also affect steering performance and safety, so this is something to get sorted quickly.
• Exhaust system damage: The underside of a vehicle, including the exhaust system, can be damaged by potholes which can lead to exhaust leaks and increased emissions.
• Body damage: In severe cases, potholes can cause body damage to a vehicle, such as dents and scratches.

Could Windscreen Damage be caused by potholes?

While it might not be immediately obvious, potholes can indeed contribute to windscreen damage. Here’s how:

• Vibrations and shocks: Driving over potholes creates significant vibrations and shocks that can exacerbate existing chips or cracks in the windscreen, causing them to spread.
• Debris: Potholes often contain loose gravel and debris which can kick up and kit the windscreen if a vehicle comes into contact with it.
• Structural wear: The sudden jolts from hitting a pothole can place additional strain on a windscreen, especially if it has been poorly installed or has existing weaknesses. This will cause the windscreen to deteriorate at a faster rate.

Tips for Avoiding Pothole Damage to Your Windscreen

Preventing windscreen damage from potholes involves both driving strategies and maintenance practices. Here are some top tips from our experts:

• Maintain safe distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to avoid debris kicked up from potholes.
• Drive carefully: It’s a simple tip, but reduce speed when driving over roads known to have potholes. This minimises the impact and potential damage to your vehicle, including the windscreen.
• Regular inspections: Frequently inspect your windscreen for chips and cracks. Address any minor damage immediately before it worsens due to pothole impacts. Acting now and getting a repair booked will save you money in the long run.
• Quality repairs: Ensure that any windscreen repairs or replacements are done by certified professionals using high-quality materials, such as the team here at 1st Call Windscreens.
• Proper tyre maintenance: Keep your tyres properly inflated and in good condition to absorb shocks better, reducing the likelihood of your windscreen weakening.

1st Call Windscreens is Kent’s favourite windscreen repair and replacement specialist. If you’ve been blighted by pothole damage and your windscreen needs a repair, get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll get it sorted for you!