February roads take a beating as summer rain, heat and busy traffic combine. Understanding why potholes appear helps you drive smarter and reduce damage.
Summer storms soften tar, heat weakens road surfaces and traffic returns after the holidays. Temporary repairs often don’t last through repeated weather changes.
How potholes affect your car
Tyres, rims, suspension, alignment, undercarriage components and windscreens can all be affected, even at lower speeds.
Smart driving habits for pothole season
Slow down on patchy roads, keep a safe following distance, avoid sudden swerves and check tyre pressure regularly.
It’s also worth remembering that pothole damage isn’t always obvious straight away. A hit that feels minor at the time can still lead to issues days or weeks later, like uneven tyre wear, vibrations at higher speeds or a steering wheel that no longer sits straight. Windscreen chips caused by loose stones may look harmless at first but can spread quickly in hot February weather. Keeping an eye on how your car feels and sounds after a pothole encounter can help you catch problems early, before they turn into bigger repair
February driving doesn’t need to be stressful when your cover is set up properly. Comprehensive car insurance can cover accident-related damage caused by potholes, depending on the circumstances and policy terms. Windscreen cover can help when loose stones lead to chips or cracks. Scratch and dent cover can assist with certain minor exterior damage, subject to limits and conditions.
King Price Insurance Company Ltd is a licensed non-life insurer and registered financial services provider.
(Reg no. 2009/012496/06 | FSP no. 43862)
FAQs
1. Why are potholes worse in February?
Summer rain and heat weaken road surfaces, and traffic increases once schools and businesses reopen.
2. Can potholes damage my car even at low speed?
Yes. Tyres, rims or suspension can be damaged even at lower speeds.
3. Does car insurance cover pothole damage?
Comprehensive car insurance can cover accident-related pothole damage, depending on the circumstances and policy terms.
4. Are windscreens more at risk during pothole season?
Yes. Loose stones around damaged roads can cause chips and cracks, especially when combined with February heat.
5. How can I reduce pothole damage to my car?
Drive at sensible speeds, keep tyres inflated correctly, avoid sudden swerves and make sure your cover suits summer driving conditions.
