16% of respondents to a recent AA survey, stated that damage had been caused to their car, motorbike or bike as a result of moving over an unrepaired pothole in the past year.

AA Ireland surveyed over 5,000 motorists and it found that tyre damage was the most likely fallout of a run-in with a poorly maintained road.

Of those who had their car damaged by a pothole, 61% reported that one or more of their tyres had either been punctured, with 35% stating that the wheel rim had also been damaged by the pothole. Meanwhile, 23% said they damaged the steering alignment and 17% damaged the shock absorbers or shock absorption system.

Anna Cullen from AA Ireland says it's clear that more funding is needed for the maintenance and protection of our roads.

Her  advice for those who come across a poor surface and/or potholes is to report it when you can.

Across 2021 and so far this year, the AA patrol team have attended over 37,500 callouts to tyre-related issues. 

 “To keep pothole damage to a minimum our patrol team says you should maintain full air pressure in all tyres. Keep your eyes peeled for potholes by leaving plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front. If you’re not in a position to avoid the pothole, slow down. Hitting it at speed will increase the chance of damage to tyres, wheels, shocks, struts or springs,” she states.