Examining the impact of potholes on alloy wheel fixes

Demand for alloy wheel fixes are soaring as potholes continue to wreak havoc on Britain’s roads, according to Revive!

To date, Revive! Auto Innovations, a SMART (small-to-medium repair technique) mobile vehicle repair firm, has experienced a “staggering” 58% increase in alloy wheel fixes over the past two years. It claimed repair jobs climbed from just over 8,000 in 2021 to in excess of 12,600 in 2023.

In fact, Revive! continued, four-in-ten (41%) of Revive!’s fixes, which also include bodywork dent, scuff and scratch repairs, are now alloy wheel repairs, up from three-in- ten (33%) just two years ago.

Revive! believes that potholes are largely to blame for the increase in wheel repairs, with many of its customers pointing the finger at poor road conditions. Alloy wheel damage is very often associated with a sudden jolt from hitting a pothole, causing scraping or chips in the metal.

Prior to the general election, the Labour Party announced a ‘pothole pledge’, which would see an additional £320 million-a-year invested in repairing UK roads, while the Conservative Party promised to put £8.3 billion into road repairs until 2024.*

Revive! Managing Director, Mark Llewellyn, said: “We have seen a substantial increase in demand for our alloy repair service in the last couple of years, and considering the state of many of the UK’s roads, it’s little wonder.

“If your alloy wheels become damaged due to hitting a pothole, not only will this affect the overall cosmetic appearance of your car, but damaged alloy wheels could cause issues in terms of losing traction and control, as well as loss of tyre pressure.”

Paul Boss, chief executive of the Road Surface Treatments Association (RSTA), added: “The only way we are going to stop further damage to cars is by taking a more proactive approach to road maintenance. This means preserving and protecting roads to reduce future potholes and filling existing ones to ensure safer and smoother travel. Any future government needs to take note of this if they want to solve this ever-growing problem.”

*This article was produced prior to the UK general election on the 4th July.