Pothole Damage to Tyres and Wheels in Manchester: What to Check and How to Claim
Updated 14 October 2026 · Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres team
Key facts
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Who to claim from: for most English roads other than those National Highways manages, contact the local council that manages the road. National Highways covers motorways and the A roads it manages. Source: GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/claim-for-damage-to-your-vehicle
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Find the right council: enter the postcode of the road. Source: GOV.UK, www.gov.uk/report-pothole
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What to tell them: the type of damage, why you believe they are responsible, the road name and nearest marker post or identifying feature, and the date and time. Source: GOV.UK claim page.
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Reporting in Manchester: Manchester City Council has an online report for potholes, road or pavement damage. Source: www.manchester.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/road-and-pavement-
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Alignment risk: potholes and kerb strikes can throw wheel alignment out. Source: Michelin, www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-maintenan ; RAC, www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/car-maintenance/wheel-alignment-c
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Tyre check: inspect tyres at least monthly for punctures, cuts, bulges and cracking. Source: TyreSafe, www.tyresafe.org/vehicle-owners/car-tyre-safety/
What gets damaged by a pothole?
The first contact is the tyre and wheel, then the suspension and steering behind them. Look for a bulge or cut on the sidewall, a dent or bend in the wheel rim, a vibration at speed, and any pull to one side. Have a bulge looked at before you drive further.
Can a pothole knock the alignment out?
Yes. The RAC says damage from potholes or a collision can affect wheel alignment, and Michelin lists hitting a pothole or kerb as a reason to check it. Michelin also lists a car pulling to one side, an off-centre steering wheel and uneven tread wear as signs alignment is wrong (https://www.michelinman.com/auto/auto-tips-and-advice/tire-maintenance/wheel-alignment-wheel-balancing).
What evidence should I keep?
Build the record while it is fresh:
- Photos of the pothole with something for scale, and the road name.
- The exact spot: nearest house number, junction or marker post.
- The date and time.
- Photos of the damaged tyre and wheel.
- A written inspection and estimate from a garage.
- The report reference after you report the pothole.
GOV.UK asks you to supply the damage, why you think the body is responsible, the location, and the date and time. A garage’s written assessment of the damage helps back that up.
How do I make a claim?
- Report the pothole to the road’s owner.
- Find out who manages the road, using the postcode tool on GOV.UK.
- Contact them to ask about compensation, giving the details above.
- Keep receipts for any repair.
GOV.UK does not promise a payout. It says you may be able to claim.
Council road or National Highways road?
| Council road | National Highways road | |
|---|---|---|
| Covers | Most other English roads | Motorways and A roads it manages |
| Who to contact | The local council that manages the road | National Highways |
| How to find out | Postcode on GOV.UK | GOV.UK check tool |
We do not state here who manages any particular stretch of road. Use the GOV.UK postcode check for the exact spot.
Pothole damage in Gorton
Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres at 270 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester M12 5FH can inspect tyres and wheels after a pothole. Ring 0161 274 3125 and describe the damage. We are open Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:30 and Saturday 9:00 to 16:30. See our wheel alignment service in Manchester.
Think it knocked the geometry? See signs your wheels need aligning. For the cost side, read how much wheel alignment costs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim for pothole damage in Manchester?
You may be able to. Ask the local council that manages the road, unless it is a road National Highways manages.
What evidence do I need?
Photos, the exact location, date and time, and a garage's assessment of the damage.
Can a pothole ruin wheel alignment?
The RAC says pothole damage can affect wheel alignment.
Should I check my tyres after a pothole?
Yes. Look for bulges, cuts and cracking, as TyreSafe advises in its monthly checks.
How do I report a pothole?
Use Manchester City Council's online form, or National Highways for roads it manages (0300 123 5000 per GOV.UK).
Need tyres, an MOT or a repair in Gorton?
Ring the garage on 0161 274 3125 or come to 270 Hyde Road. We will tell you what the car needs before any work starts.
Hyde Road Wheels & Tyres, 270 Hyde Road, Gorton, Manchester M12 5FH. Open Mon to Fri 9:00 to 17:30, Sat 9:00 to 16:30.