Nothing annoys drivers more than potholes, according to a recent study. And it’s now prime pothole season. In winter, science goes to work; rainwater seeps into cracks in the road, freezes into ice, expands and makes bigger cracks, night after night. Salt spreading causes more damage, and voilà – there are new potholes everywhere in time for spring.
But with our tips on how to deal with them, from understanding how they can damage your EV to how to drive over them, you can be pothole ready.
Remember why nobody likes them
They can do a lot worse than make you spill your coffee. They can do all kinds of harm to your EV, from puncturing your tyres to damaging your wheels and your suspension. They can also throw you off course, potentially causing a serious accident.
And some are impossible to avoid. One in Wiltshire, possibly Britain’s largest, has been measured at 41ft – the size of a double-decker bus.
2. Avoid ‘Pothole Lane’
Know a road that looks like it hasn’t been resurfaced since 1902? It might be worth avoiding it with an alternative way to go. You could also download the bp pulse app to see if there’s a handy charging point on your new route.
3. Be ready if things get bumpy
It always pays to be prepared. Make sure you have a breakdown provider and their number is in your phone contacts. Check that you’ve got a spare tyre or tyre repair kit in your vehicle.
4. Drive smart
If you can’t avoid a pothole (or encounter a stretch of road that looks more like the surface of the moon), here are a few adjustments you can make to your driving that can help:
Follow a steady speed, and avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can cause damage to your front suspension and tyres.
If you see a pothole coming, you could try to reduce your speed before driving over it. But be sure to be safe – check your rear mirror to see if anyone’s behind.
If you spot one with plenty of time to react, avoiding it is an option. But it’s essential to be sure changing direction won’t endanger other road users.
(Alt option for the above) Keep a reasonable distance from the car in front, enabling you to spot any potholes you’re approaching in time to react.
Keep two hands on the wheel and maintain a firm grip to keep your car on track – a sudden dip in the road can cause your vehicle to jolt and change its direction of travel.
5. Car maintenance matters
To avoid damage to tyres, maintain the right tyre pressure – poorly inflated tyres are more likely to get damaged. Also, make sure you’ve serviced your EV and checked your suspension. A qualified mechanic can check over your vehicle to ensure it’s ready to handle a bumpy ride.
So, that’s your preparation for potholes completed. Hopefully, they won’t ruin your journeys, and you can keep enjoying your EV adventures.
