A flat after hitting a pothole may be a simple puncture, but potholes often damage more than the tire: a bent or cracked wheel, a sidewall bulge, or bent suspension and steering parts. If the tire is flat, the wheel is visibly bent, the car pulls hard, or the steering wheel is off-center, don’t drive on it. Put on the spare if it’s safe and the wheel isn’t damaged, or have the car towed to a tire shop.
Check the damage
Once you’re stopped somewhere safe, look at the tire and wheel:
- A bulge or bubble on the sidewall: the tire is damaged inside and must be replaced, even if it holds air.
- A cut or gash in the sidewall: replace the tire. Sidewall damage can’t be repaired.
- A bent or cracked rim: the tire may not seal, and the wheel may need to be replaced.
- A slow leak from the bead (where tire meets wheel): often caused by a bent rim.
Can you drive on it?
Not if the tire is flat or badly low, the sidewall is bulging or cut, the wheel is visibly bent, the car pulls strongly or vibrates, or a warning light for steering, brakes or stability came on. Driving on a flat destroys the tire and can damage the wheel further.
If the tire holds air and looks fine, drive carefully to a shop soon and have the tire, wheel and alignment checked. Pothole hits often knock the alignment out.
Spare or tow?
If the wheel isn’t damaged and you have a spare, you can put it on (see how to change a flat). If the wheel is bent, the suspension may be damaged, or you have no spare, tow the car to a tire or repair shop.
Signs of hidden damage after a pothole
- The steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
- The car pulls to one side
- New vibration at highway speeds
- Clunking or knocking over bumps
- Uneven tire wear showing up later
Can you get reimbursed?
Sometimes. Road agencies in Michigan accept damage claims in limited situations, and the rules and deadlines depend on who maintains the road (state, county or city). Photograph the pothole, note the exact location, and keep all repair receipts. Your own collision coverage may also apply, minus your deductible.
Pothole flat in Metro Detroit?
Skyline Towing will put on your spare ($100 in Wayne County, $125 in Oakland County), and we sell new and used tires and mount and balance them on site. If the wheel or suspension is damaged, we can tow the car to your shop. Call (248) 832-6000.
Skyline Towing, 6450 E Hancock St, Detroit, MI 48207. (248) 832-6000.