Potholes have become a familiar frustration for UK drivers. From minor surface cracks to deep road craters, poor road conditions are increasingly common across towns and motorways. But beyond the discomfort and repair costs, many motorists ask an important question: do potholes contribute to more MOT failures?

The short answer is yes. Repeated exposure to damaged roads can directly affect several MOT-tested components, increasing the likelihood of failures and advisories.

Why Potholes Are So Common on UK Roads

The UK’s road network faces constant stress from heavy traffic, ageing infrastructure, and unpredictable weather. Freeze–thaw cycles in winter allow water to seep into cracks, expand as it freezes, and break up the tarmac. Over time, this creates potholes that worsen quickly if not repaired.

For drivers, frequent encounters with potholes are often unavoidable—and their impact on vehicle condition can be significant.

How Potholes Affect MOT-Tested Components

Potholes cause sudden shocks to your vehicle, stressing parts that are closely examined during an MOT. Commonly affected areas include:

• Suspension springs and shock absorbers – Impacts can weaken or damage components, leading to poor damping or broken springs.
• Steering joints and linkages – Repeated jolts can accelerate wear in ball joints and track rod ends.
• Tyres and wheels – Sidewall damage, bulges, or buckled alloys are frequent results of hitting deep potholes.
• Wheel alignment – Misalignment caused by road impacts can lead to uneven tyre wear, often flagged during testing.

Any of these issues can result in an MOT failure if they compromise safety.

Suspension and Steering: The Biggest Risk Areas

Suspension and steering faults are among the most common MOT failure categories. Potholes place abnormal loads on these systems, especially if hit at speed. Even if damage isn’t immediately obvious, weakened components may fail inspection later.

Testers check for excessive play, leaks, or damage—all problems that potholes can worsen over time.

Tyres, Wheels, and Hidden Damage

Tyres take the first hit when a car drops into a pothole. While a puncture is obvious, subtler damage like sidewall bulges or internal cord weakening may go unnoticed until an MOT. Buckled wheels can also affect handling and tyre contact with the road, increasing failure risk.

Using MOT Data to Spot Patterns

By reviewing MOT histories, patterns often emerge between repeated suspension or tyre failures and vehicles used on poor road networks. Checking your vehicle’s MOT history online can highlight recurring advisories linked to road damage. Tools such as the MOT checker at https://checkmot.com/ make it easier to spot these trends early and plan repairs.

Can You Reduce the Risk of Pothole-Related MOT Failures?

While you can’t control road quality, you can reduce damage by:

• Slowing down on rough roads
• Avoiding potholes where safe to do so
• Checking tyres regularly for bulges or uneven wear
• Having suspension and steering inspected annually

Early detection can prevent small issues becoming MOT failures.

The Bigger Picture: Roads and Vehicle Safety

Potholes don’t just affect comfort—they play a real role in vehicle safety and compliance. As road conditions decline, MOT failure rates linked to suspension, steering, and tyres are likely to rise, placing greater importance on regular inspections and maintenance.

FAQs

Can hitting a pothole cause an immediate MOT failure?

Not directly, but the damage caused may lead to a failure at your next MOT.

Which MOT components are most affected by potholes?

Suspension, steering, tyres, wheels, and wheel alignment are most at risk.

Can a buckled alloy wheel fail an MOT?

Yes. If it affects tyre seating or safety, it can result in a failure.

How can I tell if potholes have damaged my car?

Look for vibrations, pulling to one side, uneven tyre wear, or knocking noises.

Should I get my car checked after hitting a deep pothole?

Yes. An inspection can identify hidden damage before it leads to MOT failure.