Comline emphasises the importance of quality parts

The distributor has welcomed the government’s pledge to help fix Britain’s potholes – but believes the “stark reality” of the situation emphasises the need of quality steering and suspension components.

Britain’s pothole problems show no sign of abating, and while the government’s recent pledge of an additional £8.3 billion to repair local roads is welcome, the stark reality is that our roads remain in desperate need of urgent attention.

The statistics don’t make good reading either; on average, drivers encounter six potholes per mile, putting strain on a vehicle’s steering and suspension system. These and the intricate components within them are tested every time a pothole is absorbed and navigated. As roads deteriorate, they contribute to premature wear, misalignment and, potentially, dangerous failures, claimed Comline.

According to Kwik-Fit’s annual Pothole Impact Tracker report, the average repair bill for pothole-related problems rose to £120 last year, with costs exceeding £300 for 660,000 car owners. Overall, it costs British motorists an estimated £1.48 billion annually to fix pothole-related issues – 27% of those repairs are steering and suspension.

Worryingly, continued Kwik-Fit, was that in almost half of cases (45%), the damage caused was not obvious; one-in-five (19%) only learned of the damage after it was taken to a workshop.

Furthermore, with the number of vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) increasing, recalibrations – caused by potholes – are further denting motorists’ pockets. The Institute of the Motor Industry’s 2023 forecast claims that 44% of vehicles will have level 2 autonomy by 2030.

Quality matters

Plainly, for the trade, providing motorists with durable and reliable steering and suspension components is a must, given the current road conditions.

Choosing components purely based on price is counter-intuitive, believes Comline, particularly if those parts prove to be inferior. Poor quality steering and suspension parts will be found out quickly – ironically, thanks to the current conditions of our roads. Untimely failures and repeated repairs are only going to frustrate the motorist – probably more than the original pothole!

Choosing a reputable supplier is essential – and Comline, for example, is confident it has built a reputation for producing components that deliver both performance and durability. Its steering and suspension range is tested to endure the demanding conditions of Britain’s roads, providing an OE-quality solution.

The range includes rack ends, stabiliser links, suspension arms and bushes, tie rod ends and top strut mounts. Each component is manufactured and subjected to strict quality controls, backed by a threeyear warranty.

Be proactive 

Comline Product Director, Nick Weir, said that while the government’s funding boost is a “step in the right direction”, fixing our potholes won’t be solved overnight, so factors and garages alike need to work together to keep motorists safe.

He reported: “Regular vehicle checks, proactive suspension inspections and recommending quality components can help drivers avoid unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. “For independent technicians, now is the time to emphasise the value of high quality parts. With potholes likely to be around for considerable time yet, fitting robust and dependable parts isn’t just good practice – it’s essential.”