What drivers really hate: potholes, traffic, or parking tickets?
August 20, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Move over traffic jams and parking fines, Britain’s biggest motoring gripe is now the dreaded pothole, as drivers rank crumbling roads their number one roadside irritation.
If you were to hedge your bets on which road nuisance drivers loathe most – potholes, bank holiday traffic, or parking tickets – it’s the pothole that takes the short straw.
Indeed, a third (30%) of drivers would rather crawl through hours of Bank Holiday traffic or fork out for a costly parking ticket than face the damage of hitting a pothole (24%), according to new research from Mercedes-Benz Vans’ Under the Bonnet report.
The report also found that more than a third (35%) claimed they’d rather spend their time sorting out vehicle tax, while others said they’d choose a road trip with young kids (23%) or even a drive to the in-laws (22%) before tackling Britain’s crumbling roads.
For those unlucky enough to have struck one, the cost is eye-watering: almost a quarter (22%) say they’ve had to pay up to £500 in repairs after hitting a pothole.
The UK is currently battling what campaigners are calling a pothole epidemic, with more than one million holes recorded on British roads. The damage bill to motorists is estimated at £1.7bn in 2024. That’s a 149% rise on the £684m recorded a decade ago. By comparison, parking fines cost drivers £1.2bn a year.
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The problem of potholes
Potholes have become so much a part of daily life that they’re creeping into Britain’s social fabric. Nearly six in 10 people (59%) say potholes are now their go-to icebreaker in conversation, overtaking football and even the weather.
The report also found that one in six admit loved ones have asked them to stop talking about potholes, while a quarter say they’re in WhatsApp groups dedicated to alerting others about troublesome road craters.
The issue has even hit the headlines in recent years. For instance, in 2022, singer Rod Stewart was photographed shovelling tarmac into holes outside his Essex mansion after becoming fed up with the damage to his supercars.
So what’s being done about potholes? The government is pouring £1.6bn into fixing England’s roads, with a special focus on local streets. Councils now have to publish yearly reports on their progress – and those that fall short face penalties.
How to avoid pothole damage
As mentioned earlier, pothole damage can be expensive. But there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk:
1. Keep your tyres properly inflated
Underinflated tyres are more likely to pinch or burst if they hit a pothole, while overinflated tyres give less cushioning. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
2. Watch your speed
Hitting a pothole fast increases the shock to the suspension, wheels, and tyres. Slow down so you have a better chance to spot and avoid them.
3. Leave space in traffic
If you drive too close to the car in front, you won’t see potholes until it’s too late to react.
4. Hold the steering wheel firmly
Potholes can cause sudden jolts – keeping a firm grip helps you stay in control.
5. Don’t swerve suddenly
Swerving can cause a worse accident than the pothole itself. Instead, slow down and straddle smaller ones safely if possible.
6. Check wheel alignment regularly
Even minor pothole knocks can throw off your alignment, leading to uneven tyre wear and reduced control.
7. Inspect your car after big hits
Look for bulges in tyres, unusual vibrations, or the car pulling to one side as these are all signs of pothole damage.
8. Know your route
Apps, local council websites, or even community WhatsApp groups can warn of pothole hotspots.
A bonus tip: If you do hit a pothole and it damages your vehicle, make a note of the location. That’s because you can report the pothole to your local council, and in some cases, you can claim compensation for repair costs.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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