Pull over safely and check the tire for a bulge, cut, or rapid pressure loss — any of those means don't keep driving on it. Look at the wheel rim for visible dents or cracks, and note any new vibration, pulling to one side, or a rattling noise, which can signal bent suspension components or a knocked-loose exhaust heat shield. If the car drives straight, the tire holds air, and no warning lights appear, it's reasonable to keep driving but still worth an alignment check within the next week or two.
At a glance
| Warning sign | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Sidewall bulge or cut | Tire cord damage — replace immediately, don't drive on it |
| Steering pulls to one side | Possible alignment or bent suspension component |
| Vibration at speed | Bent wheel or unbalanced/damaged tire |
| TPMS light comes on | Rapid or slow pressure loss — check tire promptly |
Right after impact
- If it's safe, pull over and turn on hazards rather than waiting until your destination.
- Walk around the car and look at each tire for bulges, cuts, or visible tread damage, and check the wheel rims for dents or cracks.
- Check the dashboard for a new TPMS (tire pressure) warning light.
- Listen for new noises (clunking, rattling) and feel for pulling or vibration once you're moving again at low speed.
Damage that isn't obvious right away
Potholes hit tires and wheels hardest, but the shock can also knock alignment out, bend a control arm or tie rod end, or dent an exhaust heat shield (a common source of a new rattling noise that isn't actually serious). Alignment issues sometimes take a few hundred miles of uneven tire wear to become obvious, which is why a proactive alignment check after a hard hit is worth the cost even if the car seems to drive fine.
Signs of suspension damage
- Clunking noise over bumps that wasn't there before
- Car pulling to one side under braking or on a flat road
- Steering wheel off-center when driving straight
- Uneven tire wear developing over the following weeks
A sidewall bulge means the internal cords are damaged — the tire can fail suddenly, sometimes at highway speed, even if it's currently holding air. Replace it before driving further; a spare or roadside assistance is the safer call than "seeing if it holds."
When to get it inspected
Get an alignment and suspension check within a week or two if you noticed any vibration, pulling, or noise, even mild. If nothing seems off, it's still reasonable to mention the pothole hit at your next scheduled service so a technician can check tie rods, control arm bushings, and alignment specs while the car is already up on a lift.
Insurance and reporting
In some regions, damage caused by a pothole on a public road can be claimed against the local authority responsible for road maintenance, though the process and success rate vary widely by jurisdiction and usually require documenting the pothole's location and the repair estimate. Comprehensive auto insurance (not liability-only) typically covers pothole damage to your own car, often for a smaller deductible category than a full collision claim — check your specific policy.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a pothole damaged my wheel and not just the tire?
Is it normal to hear a new noise after a pothole even if nothing looks damaged?
Can hitting a pothole cause an alignment problem days later?
Does insurance cover pothole damage?
Sources & further reading
Figures, prices and policy details were current at the last-updated date above. Automotive pricing, incentives and regulations change frequently — verify time-sensitive details with the linked primary sources. Read our editorial policy and fact-checking standards.
