Pot Hole Damage Assessment

[Hicardo]

My local dealer sent a flyer out by email suggesting for £40 owners could have their Honda's inspected for pothole damage, inspections covering tyres, wheels, shocks, bearings, suspension arms etc for damage, and checking wheel alignment  - but obviously not including any remedial work. 

Any views on this? Sounds pretty good value, but i guess if the car drives perfectly well, there's no point?     Also, wouldnt this be part of service health checks anyway?

[2robbie2]

Hi - although I am very cautious on matters relating to tyres and wheels, I wouldn't bother with the Dealer check you describe as I have usually noticed any alloy damage (a crack or buckle) as soon as it has occurred (in the way the car drives or via a fast/slow puncture). On other occasions when I haven't noticed any issue, I have been informed at the MOT that an alloy has a slight buckle and been given an advisory (following which I have had it replaced/repaired).

In terms of all matters relating to shocks, bearing and suspension arms etc., my experience is that these have been picked up by a routine Dealer service and/or MOT.

Hope this helps.

[Downsizer]

It sounds like an opportunistic profit booster to me, cashing in on the current wave of pothole publicity!

[Lord Voltermore]

You kind of know if you have hit a pothole hard enough to potentially cause damage.  I would want to stop immediately to check tyres as best I can.  And most definitely get it checked  by a garage if there was even the slightest change in 'feel' such as vibration, thumping noise, steering etc.
(although sometimes this can be due to a wheel balancing weight dropping off)

Accumulated general wear and tear  over a period should be spotted during normal servicing  or an mot.   

Some independent  stop and steer specialists will carry out such a safety check free of charge. (although they are obviously hoping to find work they can charge for) . Indeed they may be better equipped and more experienced in these checks  than a Honda dealership.

[Hicardo]

Thanks for the responses folks!  Yes i think i'd agree. 

My 1st service is due in June, so i think i'll wait for that.  I live in the pothole capital of the UK, East Sussex, so i dont blame them for trying!