What to Do After Hitting a Pothole: Tyre and Wheel Damage Checklist

Cracks seem to be the smallest of problems, but they can absolutely damage your tyres and wheels more than you know. You could have introduced a bump directly into the road, where your car must rely on that bump to maintain a straight, even, safe ride.

Many drivers overlook the aftermath until they begin to experience steering problems, vibrations, or irregular tyre wear. Before things spiral out of control, it’s also a good idea to consider the wheel alignment prices you are quoted and get a full inspection for your vehicle. You can follow this checklist to determine what to look for immediately after impact.

In India, where potholes are unfortunately common due to heavy rains, road wear, and poor maintenance, hitting one isn’t unusual. But what you do after hitting a pothole can determine whether your car remains safe to drive or ends up in the repair shop with expensive issues.

This blog guides you through a step-by-step checklist to inspect your tyres and wheels after a pothole impact, identifies key signs to watch for, and explains when it’s time to seek professional help.

Why Are Potholes Riskier Than They Appear?

Potholes aren’t just annoying. They’re aggressive road hazards. They can cause:

Tyre punctures or sidewall bulges
Cracked or bent alloy wheels
Wheel misalignment or imbalance
Suspension and steering damage
Broken control arms or shocks

What makes potholes especially dangerous is that the damage is often not immediate or obvious. Your vehicle may feel normal for a few kilometers, and then the issues will start to manifest.

Step 1: Safely stop and check your tyres

When you hit a bump, check your wheels and find a safe place to stop. Here’s what to look for:

Sidewall Bulges

Bulges on the tyre sidewall indicate an internal tyre problem, sometimes caused by a defective wire. Even if the tyre isn’t flat, a bulge can compromise the tyre’s strength and potentially cause a blowout at highway speeds.

Cuts or Abrasions

Inspect the item for cuts, severe scratches, or tears on the edges and sides. If you see cords or internal threads, the tyre is no longer safe to use.

Air Pressure Drop

Check the pressure tester and explain why the pressure gauge suddenly fell. If there is a sudden fall in pressure, this may indicate that the tyre has been punctured or the bead is damaged where the tyre contacts the rim of the wheel.

Tread Damage

Look for tread separation or missing rubber fragments. While few in number, potholes can damage a tyre’s tread – especially if the tyre is of some age.

Step 2: Examine the Wheel Rims

Tyres coming off is only one part of the problem. Your wheel rims are also vulnerable.

Visible Cracks or Bends

Examine the rim’s border area in great detail. The automobile may sit and rock a lot due to a bent wheel, which can result in uneven tyres and an unpleasant driving experience. Cracks are even more serious. They could make the cap let air out.

Scuffs and Paint Chips

Performance is not always impacted by cosmetic deterioration, but it typically signals a more serious issue. A spalled rim needs to be checked for integrity if you feel vibration afterwards.

Air Leaks Around the Rim

Even if the tyre appears fine, pothole impact can loosen the tyre bead, causing a slow leak around the rim. Check the bead area for bubbles when applying water.

Step 3: Monitor How You Drive

Keep a tight eye on your car if you hit a pothole and don’t stop immediately. Yet, the symptoms of such states are not always outwardly visible and may be revealed through underperformance.

Vibration in the Steering Wheel

In general, that’s an indication that the rim is damaged or the tyre is not balanced. The shaking may occur only at specific speeds, and it can get worse the longer the car is running.

Steering Pulling to One Side

It is a reliable sign of wheels that are out of alignment since the impact alters the suspension geometry.

Strange Noises

You may notice a clunking or knocking noise following the impact, indicating that suspension parts or the wheel hub have been bent.

Reduced Braking Performance

If the impact damages your suspension or tyre structure, it may affect how your vehicle handles during sudden braking.

Step 4: Have An Expert Perform A Tyre And Wheel Inspection

If you hit a pothole very hard, even if your assessment shows no major damage, it’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your vehicle, which is almost always a smart move.

Services to Ask For:

When inspecting the tyres while in the car, look for any damage on the inside or if the belts are getting loose.
Alignment (if you are experiencing cross-camber problems or if your tyre-wear is not the same).
Balancing (for vibration-free driving and proper weight distribution).
Rim Repair or Replacement.
Suspension and Underbody Check.

Delaying these checks can exacerbate minor problems. A slightly bent rim today can lead to premature tyre wear, poor fuel economy, and increased suspension stress.

Step 5: Monitor the Tyre Over the Next Few Days

Not all pothole damage is immediately apparent. Here’s how to stay ahead of hidden issues:

Check air pressure daily for the next few days.
Listen for any bumps or noises as you accelerate and decelerate.
Check for visible damage after 48–72 hours.
Inspect the tyre over the next few weeks for uneven wear.

If anything changes, schedule a follow-up inspection or tyre rotation to catch the issue early.

If you hit a pothole in Ahmedabad (or somewhere nearby) and are not experiencing any of these symptoms, then do not worry, it does not mean that there’s no tyre/ wheel damage. A TyreHub near you can rapidly examine your wheels and tyres.

Can a Pothole Impact Be Claimed Under Warranty or Insurance

Tyre Warranty

Most tyre manufacturers will not cover impact-related damage under their normal warranty. However, several providers do offer road hazard warranties for an additional fee, which can still be applied in some cases.

Car Insurance

Potholes and auto insurance. Damage to a car caused by a pothole is not covered by third-party, fire and theft, or third-party-only auto insurance.

However, if you have comprehensive car insurance, your car can be covered for suspension or wheel damage resulting from a pothole; however, tyre-only damage is commonly excluded. As you review your insurance, visualize the hole and the resulting damage.

How to Prevent Pothole Damage in the Future

While you can’t always avoid potholes, these tips can reduce your chances of severe tyre or wheel damage:

Drive carefully, and remember that you are a foreigner to the road.
Avoid heavy braking over potholes.
Keep tyres properly inflated.
If you have ’em, swap out your worn, old, more fragile wheels.
If you frequently encounter lots of potholes, you may want to consider upgrading to stronger alloy wheels.

Staying on the alert and slowing down before hitting rough patches can mean the difference between a smooth ride and a costly repair bill.

Conclusion

A hit from a pothole may be over in a second, but the invisible damage it does can endure for thousands of miles. Procrastinated checks often lead to uneven tyre wear, trailer wheel misalignment, and an increased likelihood of tyre blowouts.

For extra peace of mind, particularly if your departure involves driving on the highway or taking passengers with you, have your tyres checked while you pack, instead of putting it off. A single trip to a trusted car tyre shop near me could help you save time, money, and above all, a headache in the future.

Based in or around Motera? You can have your tyre checks, alignment, and even the expensive replacements done at Tyre Hub by experts who know your roads. Call today and get the “pothole special” – and drive confidently, no matter how hard you nail a pothole.