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us Transport & mobility emergencies

What to do if…
your car feels unsafe, shakes, or pulls after hitting a pothole

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

Gradually ease off the accelerator, hold the steering wheel with both hands, avoid abrupt braking or steering, and pull off the road when you judge it is safe. If the car remains difficult to control or you see tire or wheel damage, do not keep driving; use roadside assistance or call 911 if the vehicle is creating an immediate traffic emergency.

Do not do these things

  • Do not continue at normal speed to test whether the shaking or pulling disappears.
  • Do not slam on the brakes or steer abruptly unless necessary to avoid an immediate collision.
  • Do not stop in an active traffic lane if you can safely move the car to a nearby place away from traffic.
  • Do not stand beside the traffic-facing side of the car or inspect it where passing vehicles could reach you.
  • Do not return to the roadway to photograph the pothole.
  • Do not rely only on the tire-pressure warning light when deciding whether a tire is damaged.
  • Do not drive on a tire with a visible cut, crack, bulge, exposed material, or other obvious damage.
  • Do not crawl under the car or touch leaking fluid, hot parts, or loose components.
  • Do not attempt a tire change on a narrow shoulder, soft ground, a slope, or another unsafe location.

What to do now

  1. Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands, cancel cruise control, and gradually release the accelerator. Correct the steering only as needed to keep the car stable.

  2. Signal and move toward a parking lot, exit, rest area, wide shoulder, or another firm and level place away from moving traffic. Once stopped, shift into Park, set the parking brake, and switch on the hazard lights.

  3. If you cannot get out of an active traffic lane, or if there is a collision, injury, fire, smoke, or another immediate danger, call 911 and follow the call-taker’s instructions.

  4. When the surroundings are safe, look at each tire and wheel without stepping into traffic. Check for a flat or visibly low tire, cuts, cracks, bulges, exposed material, a bent or cracked wheel, loose bodywork, rubbing parts, or fluid beneath the car.

  5. Choose the safer waiting place for the conditions. This may mean remaining inside with your seat belt fastened, or leaving through the side away from traffic and moving well away from the roadway if staying inside presents a greater danger.

  6. Do not resume driving if the shaking or pulling continues, the steering or brakes feel different, a tire or wheel appears damaged, or anything is rubbing or leaking. Contact a roadside-assistance provider or towing company.

  7. Arrange for a qualified repair shop to inspect the tires, wheels, alignment, steering, suspension, and any other area affected by the impact. Explain that the symptoms began immediately after hitting a pothole, and ask for a written estimate before authorizing repairs.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether to make an insurance or road-damage claim, who may be responsible, which repair shop offers the best price, or whether to approve non-urgent cosmetic work. Photographs and claim information can also wait until you can collect them without entering traffic or putting yourself at risk.

Important reassurance

Shaking, pulling, or changed handling does not prove one specific type of damage. Tire, wheel, balance, alignment, steering, and suspension problems can produce similar symptoms, so stopping and arranging an inspection is a reasonable precaution.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate steps to reduce danger and arrange an initial inspection. Repair decisions, insurance claims, reimbursement requests, and disputes may require separate specialist help.

Important note

This is general safety information, not mechanical, legal, insurance, or other professional advice. Vehicle designs and roadside conditions differ, so follow emergency instructions and the safety information in your vehicle owner’s manual.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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