Potholes costing drivers up to £590 per repair as breakdowns soar

Drivers are feeling the sting of Britain’s potholes, with breakdowns caused by road damage rising sharply over the past year. In fact, pothole-related breakdowns jumped by 25% over the summer compared with the same months in 2024, according to new figures from the RAC.

On average, RAC patrols attended 71 pothole-related breakdowns every single day in the past 12 months to the end of September. For families, a single pothole mishap can cost up to £590 to fix, covering damage to suspension, wheels, or shock absorbers, the RAC added.

And over the summer alone, the RAC dealt with 5,035 pothole breakdowns, compared with 4,040 in the same period last year. These figures show the growing impact not just on car parts, but on our wallets too.

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Despite some signs of improvement – 12% of drivers now feel local roads are in better shape than a year ago – nearly three-in-10 still reported vehicle damage caused by potholes. The RAC warns that this problem isn’t just inconvenient; it’s expensive.

“Every pothole breakdown means hassle, frustration and ultimately cost for drivers – up to £590 for anything worse than a puncture,” said RAC head of policy, Simon Williams. “For those on two wheels, they’re an out-and-out danger.”

The good news is that new government funding could finally help local councils tackle the problem. By investing in preventative maintenance, such as surface dressing, councils can keep roads in better condition for longer and prevent future damage. This, in turn, saves drivers money in the long run.

Mike Hansford, chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association, said: “Councils that invest in preventative maintenance report some of the best condition roads in the country and some of the lowest numbers of potholes per mile of network.” This is a win-win as it means safer roads and less expense for drivers.

While we wait for our roads to be repaired, here are some quick tips to avoid potholes:

• Pay attention to the road ahead to spot potholes early. Look for faded markings, patched areas, or puddles, which can hide these.
• Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you so you have more time to react to potholes.
• Slow down, especially on roads with poor conditions or in adverse weather.
• Make small, safe adjustments to steer around potholes instead of swerving abruptly, as this can be dangerous.
• Don’t brake when going over a pothole as this causes the car to dip forward, putting extra stress on the suspension.
• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel to maintain control.

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