Pothole Damage Repair in Cannock: what a pothole can do to your car (and what to do next)

If it feels like the roads around Staffordshire have got rougher lately, you’re not imagining it.

The national picture is grim: the Asphalt Industry Alliance’s ALARM Survey 2026 reports a record £18.62 billion backlog to bring local roads in England and Wales up to a “reasonable steady state”, and says local roads are resurfaced, on average, once every 97 years.

And potholes aren’t just annoying — they’re costing drivers real money. The AA reports 613,638 pothole-related callouts in 2025 (an average of 1,681 per day).

So, if you’ve hit one (or you’re dodging them daily), here’s what to check, what’s genuinely urgent, and how to report a pothole locally.

What damage can a pothole actually cause?

A pothole hit is basically your car taking a sharp, sudden impact through the tyre, wheel, suspension and steering — sometimes all at once.

According to RAC guidance, the initial impact can cause buckled wheels, cracks, tyre lumps/bulges, cracked alloys, and it can knock tracking and wheel balancing out.

The AA also flags that potholes can damage suspension, steering, wheel rims and tyres, and harder impacts can bend suspension or steering components, causing the car to veer off-centre.

The “most common” pothole damage we see in the workshop

In plain English, these are the usual suspects:

• Tyre sidewall damage or a bulge (“egg” on the sidewall). Tyre manufacturers warn that pothole impacts can cause sidewall bulges and recommend having tyres checked after a pothole hit.
• Bent wheel / cracked alloy.
• Wheel alignment knocked out (tracking). TyreSafe notes pothole impacts can cause misalignment; signs include pulling to one side and steering wheel vibration, and even mild misalignment can still cause irregular tyre wear.
• Suspension knocks and worn components made worse. (A pothole can finish off a bush or drop link that was already tired.)
• Underside damage (exhaust contact). Advice on pothole damage checks often includes inspecting the exhaust/undercarriage for dents or holes after a deep impact.

I hit a pothole — what should I check right now?

First: don’t crawl under the car at the roadside. Get somewhere safe and well-lit.

Then do a quick “walk-around + feel” check:

Tyres and wheels

Look for:

• Bulges, cuts, or chunks missing from the tyre sidewall.
• A wheel that looks visibly bent, cracked, or suddenly losing air.

If you see a bulge, treat it as urgent: it’s a sign of internal tyre damage and can compromise safety.

Steering feel

On your next short drive (ideally to somewhere safe to stop again), pay attention to:

• Pulling left/right
• Steering wheel vibration
• Steering wheel no longer centred

These are classic alignment/steering clues in road-safety guidance.

New noises

Listen for:

• Knocking/clunking over bumps (possible suspension)
• Scraping or blowing sounds (possible exhaust damage)

Exhaust contact and damage is commonly flagged as a pothole impact risk.

Warning lights

If you get ABS/traction control lights, or a tyre pressure warning, don’t ignore it — sometimes a pothole hit can damage a wheel-speed sensor or trigger a TPMS issue as well as the physical damage.

When is it “get it looked at today” vs “it’s probably fine”?

Here’s the honest version.

Get it checked ASAP if:

• You can see a tyre bulge, sidewall cut, or cords.
• The steering wheel is vibrating or the car’s pulling noticeably.
• You’ve got a big new knock/clunk over bumps or braking feels odd.
• You’re losing tyre pressure.

It might be fine (but still keep an eye on it) if:

• The hit was minor, there’s no visible tyre/wheel damage, and the car drives straight with no vibration. (Even then, keep an eye on tyre wear over the next few weeks.)

The UK pothole situation in 2025/2026: what the data actually says

A few “big picture” numbers that explain why this is getting worse:

• ALARM Survey 2026 reports 1.9 million potholes filled over the last year at an estimated cost of £149.3 million — around 5,200 every day.
• It reports the “one-time catch-up” cost to clear the backlog is £18.62bn, and average local road resurfacing is about once every 97 years.
• The RAC reports pothole compensation claims to 177 local authorities rose 91% from 27,731 (2021) to 53,015 (2024) in the data it analysed.
• Government highways maintenance funding numbers are published on GOV.UK; for example, the highways maintenance block for 2025–26 is described as £1,567m (baseline + additional funding announced in Autumn Budget 2024).

None of that helps you when you’ve just hit a crater outside Hednesford… but it does explain why you’re not the only one.

How to claim pothole compensation (without false promises)

Let’s keep this realistic: there is no automatic right to compensation. Councils/highways authorities can defend claims by showing they took reasonable steps to maintain and inspect the road (the “Section 58” defence under the Highways Act is commonly referenced in highways claims processes).

That said, you can claim — and you improve your chances by doing the basics well:

1. Get evidence at the time
   Photos of the pothole (with something showing scale), photos of the damage, and notes about time/location help.

2. Report the pothole
   Even if you’re not sure you’ll claim, reporting it creates a record.

3. Keep invoices / inspection reports
   If you need repairs, keep the paperwork. It’s part of showing the damage and cost.

Reporting potholes in Staffordshire and around Cannock Chase

For local roads around Cannock, Norton Canes, Hednesford, Great Wyrley and the surrounding area, the relevant highways authority is typically Staffordshire County Council.

How to report a pothole

Staffordshire has an online “report a pothole” process using a map-based form (you plot the location and submit details).

You can also use GOV.UK’s “report a pothole” postcode tool, which directs you to the correct local authority page.

Who do you claim against?

Staffordshire’s own claims page states you can claim for damage/injury caused by a highway defect, but compensation is only paid if the authority is found negligent or in breach of its duty.

Worth knowing: Cannock Chase District Council explicitly notes it is not the highways authority for pothole claims on public roads in Staffordshire and points claimants to Staffordshire County Council.

Motorways and major A-roads

For issues on the Strategic Road Network (motorways and certain major A-roads), National Highways manages claims with reference to the same Highways Act defence framework.

FAQ: Pothole damage and repairs

Can a pothole damage my suspension even if the tyre looks fine?

Yes. Both RAC and AA guidance highlights suspension/steering damage as a pothole risk, and not all damage is immediately obvious on the tyre.

What are the signs my tracking/alignment is out after a pothole?

Pulling to one side, off-centre steering wheel, vibration, and uneven tyre wear are all common symptoms.

Is a tyre bulge after a pothole dangerous?

It can be. A bulge is commonly described as internal tyre damage and should be dealt with promptly.

How many potholes are councils fixing at the moment?

ALARM Survey 2026 reports 1.9 million potholes filled over the last year (England and Wales), estimated at £149.3m — around 5,200 per day.

Who do I report potholes to in Cannock and Cannock Chase?

For public roads locally, Staffordshire County Council provides the official reporting route. Cannock Chase District Council notes it isn’t the highways authority for pothole claims on public roads.

Can I claim from the council for pothole damage?

You can submit a claim, but councils may defend claims by showing they took reasonable steps to inspect/maintain the road (Section 58).

Hit a pothole and not sure if it’s “just a bump” or a bent wheel waiting to happen? Give us a call or drop us a message — we’ll give you an honest answer before you spend anything.