Potholes vs. your pocket – Here’s how to win

Published Date: 05/12/2025
Source: Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (TEPA)

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Dylan Petzer

If you’ve recently felt a nasty jolt while driving or noticed your car pulling a little more than usual, chances are you’ve met one of South Africa’s most infamous road villains – the dreaded pothole.

 

Dylan Petzer, National Vice Chairman of the Tyre, Equipment and Parts Association (TEPA), a proud association of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), says it’s officially pothole season thanks to the April rains, and South African motorists are dodging craters like it’s a real-life game of Mario Kart. “And unfortunately, when you lose, your rims pay the price,” he says.

 

According to Petzer, it’s not just your tyre that takes the hit. “In about 80% of cases, it’s the rim that gets bent, cracked, or completely wrecked. “And we’re not talking about minor damage – rim damage can impact your car’s alignment and suspension too. That’s when things go from annoying to expensive.”

Petzer says TEPA is seeing an increased percentage of cars arriving at tyre centres in Gauteng with pothole-related damage – and rim replacements have more than doubled over the last few years.

 

But here’s the good news: you don’t always need to fork out for a brand-new rim. “A quality repair from a reputable specialist can save your wallet and your ride – if you go to the right place.” Petzer says motorists should ask their fitment centre if the repairer is SABS approved and, ideally, ISO 9001 accredited.”

 

Petzer also offers a few golden tips to keep your car in top shape this pothole season:

•            Watch out for puddles – they hide potholes better than a magician hides rabbits.

•            Don’t slam on the brakes when you hit one – it makes the damage worse.

•            Feel a weird vibration in your seat or steering wheel? That’s your car begging for help.

•            Got a gut feeling something’s off? Trust it. Pop into a TEPA-accredited fitment centre for a once-over.

 

Also remember – if the damage happened on a national road (like an N1 or N3), you might be able to lodge a claim with SANRAL. It takes a bit of effort, but every bit helps, adds Petzer.

 

Here's what you need to know:

 

You can claim if:

•            The pothole was on a national road under SANRAL’s jurisdiction.

•            You can prove that the damage occurred due to that specific pothole.

•            You report the incident and submit a claim following their process.

 

You cannot claim if:

•            The road is a municipal or provincial road (these fall under local or provincial government, not SANRAL).

•            You don’t have evidence (e.g. photos, repair invoices, location details).

 

How to claim from SANRAL:

1.           Report the pothole and incident to SANRAL via their website or contact centre.

2.           Submit a written claim detailing:

o            Date, time, and exact location of the incident

o            Description of the damage

o            Photographic evidence (of the pothole and damage)

o            Proof of repair costs

o            Vehicle and driver details

3.           Wait for assessment — SANRAL may inspect the site and vehicle before approving any compensation.

 

So, next time your car shudders mid-drive, don’t just curse the road. Get it checked, repaired (not replaced), and back on track - without draining your savings.