Look out - pothole about!

Spring is finally here with its lighter and longer days, but unfortunately so are the potholes, which seem to appear as regularly as the daffodils and tulips of the season.

How are potholes created?
Potholes form when the road surface becomes brittle and starts to absorb more rain water, causing cracks to develop. The pressure of cars driving over the surface will weaken it and as frost and ice thaw, the deterioration process happens quickly, causing chunks of road surface material to become loosened. Once formed, a pothole will generally increase in size as more cars drive over the weakened area.

How can potholes damage your vehicle?
Driving over a pothole can cause damage to a vehicle’s axle and suspension. Potholes are at their most dangerous at night, and in wet weather when the hole is filled with rain water. 

How can the Good Garage Scheme help?
Get to know your local Good Garage Scheme member garage and ask them to give your car a check if you are worried. Continuing to drive when there is a problem may cause further damage.
Simply visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com and type in your postcode or town name.

Where can you report pothole damage?
If you believe your vehicle has been damaged by a particular pothole, there are steps you can take to report the issue, namely:

· Collect evidence – location, timing and photographs
· Report the pothole to your local council or Highways Agency

Presenting your case as if you are trying to help other motorists avoid such damage may help to support your claim.

Why not book your car in for a seasonal check at your local Good Garage Scheme member garage?

It's like having a friend in the know!

Potholes Prompt Tyre Check Advice

Despite an extra £200million being pledged in the budget to help fix potholes and damaged roads, the Good Garage Scheme joins the tyre safety campaign group TyreSafe in urging drivers to make even more regular checks for damage to their tyres and wheels. Drivers failing to do so face an increased risk of being involved in a tyre-related accident. 

"While the announcement of extra funds to help repair the UK's roads is welcome news, this will not happen overnight," comments Stuart Jackson, chairman, TyreSafe. "In the meantime, it's critical that drivers pay particular attention to the condition of their tyres and wheels as hitting a pothole can cause significant damage. If this damage is left unchecked it can present a very serious safety risk for them and other road users."

After hitting a pothole, a buckled wheel or lump in the tyre are the most obvious signs of damage, but hidden problems can be just as dangerous. Hairline cracks in alloy wheels can allow air to gradually escape. If tyres are driven in an under-inflated state for a prolonged period, they are more likely to overheat and suffer from a rapid deflation. This type of event can be extremely difficult to control as it often occurs at high speeds on motorways. If you are unlucky and hit a pothole, monitor the pressure and condition of the tyres in the days following the incident.

Drivers can find their correct tyre pressures in their vehicle handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate located on the driver's door sill. TyreSafe has also developed an online tool, and a free iPhone app that provide drivers with their correct tyre pressures.
When checking pressures, TyreSafe also advises that drivers give the rest of the tyre a thorough inspection for other damage such as cuts, lumps or bulges. They should also pay particular attention to any changes in the vehicle's feel or handling as this may be a sign of the wheels becoming misaligned.
Anyone in doubt about the condition of their wheels and tyres are advised to visit their nearest Good Garage Scheme member garage to have them checked.

To find a local garage you can trust, visit www.GoodGarageScheme.com.

The Good Garage Scheme would like to thank TyreSafe for their help with this week's blog.

Accidents Happen - What Should You Do?

The reality is nobody wants to think about having a car accident. It’s not a nice thought, but it’s important to be prepared in case you are involved in one. In moments of panic, it’s quite easy to get caught up in a state. But knowing what you must do and taking simple precautions can make things easier afterwards.

If you do find yourself in this position, think about the following:

The initial feeling after an accident can leave you feeling in a state of panic and worry. Make sure you take a couple of minutes to gather your thoughts before you begin to deal with exchanging insurance details.

Remain safe and keep as calm as possible

Stop where it is safe if you have the option and check that any other passengers involved are safe and well too. 

If appropriate, turn the engine off and put your hazard lights on.

Exchange details

You will need to swap some details with the other driver(s), especially if someone is injured. Sometimes this isn’t possible because of an injury or because they drive off. If you don’t swap the details, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours.

When exchanging details give your name, address, and registration number and the name and address of the owner of the vehicle. You should also get these details from the other driver(s).

Notify your insurers

Report the incident to your insurance company as soon as you can.

Obtain evidence

Get any witness contact details and take photos of the scene and vehicle damage. This may come in use later on when dealing with your insurers.

Make sure you note carefully how many people are in the other vehicle(s) involved.

Thanks to the IAM for the guest blog this week.

For peace of mind download the free Good Garage Scheme app. You can be sure to locate a garage you can trust no matter where an accident occurs.