Pothole problem set to deepen in autumn
Drivers have been warned that the pothole problem in the UK could become significantly worse in the coming weeks.
Warm weather followed by heavy rain can cause road surfaces to deteriorate rapidly, making existing potholes worse while also creating new ones.
This can cost motorists hundreds of pounds in vehicle repairs, with tyres, wheels and suspensions the most common parts of a car damaged by potholes.
However, drivers have also been warned that potholes can also dislodge or damage safety sensors, puncture or crack oil pans on the underside of a car, and damage exhaust systems, leading to increased emissions.
Autumn angst
Chris Jevons, car repair specialist at JTAPE, said: “Pothole damage is not just a winter headache, it’s a year-round issue that’s hitting motorists in the pocket.”
“The transitional period from summer to autumn can be deceptively risky for road users. After a heatwave, road tarmac expands and softens under the high temperatures, leaving it vulnerable to cracking. When heavy rain follows, a common pattern in the UK, water seeps into these cracks and washes away the foundations beneath the road surface.
“The result? Potholes can appear or worsen in a matter of days, catching drivers by surprise and increasing the risk of sudden, expensive damage.
“This process accelerates the formation of cracks and potholes, sometimes overnight. Drivers are often caught off guard, assuming pothole damage is mainly a winter problem, but the risk in late summer is far from negligible.
“In fact, some of the worst damage I’ve seen has happened in August and September, when roads have gone from baking hot to waterlogged in a very short space of time.”
