Fiat with Two Broken Springs

Potholes have a lot to answer for on the roads of Yorkshire, and this week we saw yet another classic example of the damage they can cause. This time, it was a rather unlucky Fiat 500 owner who suffered what you might call a double whammy.

One hefty pothole, one nasty bang… and two broken suspension springs.

A noisy arrival at Pellon Tyres

The little Fiat rattled and banged its way into Pellon Tyres and Autocentre, sounding anything but happy. The customer knew straight away something wasn’t right – clunking noises, a poor ride, and that unsettling feeling that the car just wasn’t sitting properly anymore.

It didn’t take long for us to diagnose the fault. A quick inspection confirmed that both suspension springs had snapped, something we’re seeing far more often these days thanks to the state of the roads around Halifax and Calderdale.

What actually happens when a spring breaks? Fiat with Two Broken Springs

Suspension springs are designed to absorb bumps, dips, and rough surfaces. But they’re not indestructible. When a car hits a pothole hard – especially at speed or when the hole is hidden by rainwater – the shock load can be enough to crack or snap a spring.

In this case, the impact was severe enough to break two springs, which explains the awful noises and the way the car was handling.

A broken spring can cause:

Loud knocking or banging noises
Uneven ride height
Poor handling and stability
Damage to tyres
An MOT failure

Left unchecked, it can even lead to further suspension damage.

The repair – done properly, first time: Fiat with Two Broken Springs

The job went to Alex, our suspension specialist, who replaced the broken springs with new ones, making sure everything was seated correctly and checked over thoroughly. Once fitted, the Fiat 500 was transformed – quiet again, sitting right, and driving exactly as it should.

The customer drove away relieved, smiling, and very glad he’d not tried to “put up with it” any longer.

Why potholes are such a problem round here

Let’s be honest, the roads around Halifax, Calderdale, and the surrounding villages can be brutal. We’ve got:

Steep hills
Narrow, twisting roads
Heavy traffic
Freeze-thaw weather in winter

All of that takes its toll on the road surface. Potholes often appear suddenly, and by the time you spot them, it’s too late.

Small cars like the Fiat 500 are especially vulnerable. Short wheelbases and firmer suspension mean the impact is often sharper, and suspension components feel it straight away.

Why you should avoid potholes if you can: Fiat with Two Broken Springs

Easier said than done, we know – but avoiding potholes really is worth it where possible. Impacts can cause damage to:

Suspension springs
Shock absorbers
Tyres and sidewalls
Alloy wheels
Wheel alignment

What looks like “just a bang” at the time can turn into a costly repair a few days later when noises start or tyres wear unevenly.

If you do hit one and notice:

new noises
pulling to one side
steering wheel off-centre
or a harsh ride

get it checked sooner rather than later.

Can you claim from the council? Fiat with Two Broken Springs

In some cases, yes – you can.

If your car is damaged by a pothole, you may be able to claim compensation from the local council responsible for that road, such as Calderdale Council.

Here’s what helps your chances:

Photograph the pothole
Get clear pictures showing size and depth (a ruler or shoe helps).
Note the exact location
Road name, nearby house numbers, landmarks.
Report the pothole
Do this as soon as possible on the council website.
Keep all receipts
Repairs, parts, labour – keep everything.
Submit a claim
Councils have online forms, though they may argue whether they were aware of the defect.

It’s not guaranteed, but many drivers do succeed, especially if the pothole had already been reported.

Final thoughts from Pellon Tyres: Fiat with Two Broken Springs

This Fiat 500 is a perfect example of how quickly pothole damage can escalate. One hit, two broken springs, and a car that was no longer safe or comfortable to drive.

Thankfully, it was diagnosed quickly and repaired properly, and the customer was back on the road without further trouble.

If you’ve hit a pothole and your car doesn’t feel right, don’t ignore it. Around Halifax and Calderdale, our roads can be unforgiving, and suspension, tyres, and wheels take the brunt of it.

Pop in and let us have a look – catching problems early can save a lot of money and a lot of stress.

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