Potholes are more than just an inconvenience on Oxfordshire roads, they pose a serious risk to your vehicle’s integrity and your safety on the road. At 14 Automotive, we’re launching a new campaign to warn, educate, and lobby about the pothole problem in Oxfordshire, with a special focus on Banbury. This initiative is not only about drawing attention to a widespread issue but also about equipping drivers with the knowledge and tools to protect their vehicles.
The Growing Pothole Problem
Across Oxfordshire, potholes have become a hot topic. Local authorities, such as Oxfordshire County Council, offer detailed information on street maintenance and efforts to repair these hazardous road conditions (see Oxfordshire County Council – Potholes). Meanwhile, community voices on platforms like the Banbury Guardian share real-life experiences, underscoring the urgency of the issue. In recent news, it was announced that Oxfordshire will receive over £245 million from central government funds to fix potholes (Banbury Guardian News), highlighting the scale of the challenge ahead.
Is There a Need for This Campaign?
Absolutely. Potholes don’t just damage your car—they can lead to serious issues like misaligned wheels, bent rims, and even tyre damage. A sudden jolt from a pothole might seem minor at the moment, but the long-term effects can be costly and dangerous. This campaign is born from the real need to protect drivers from unexpected damage and to raise public awareness about the importance of proper vehicle maintenance after encountering road hazards.
“At 14 Automotive, we’re trying out our new pothole campaign to see how it resonates with our community. We’re not entirely sure where this will lead, but we’re keen to listen to your feedback and adjust our approach as we go.”
MD Leon Smith, Managing Director, 14 Automotive & Carbody (Banbury) Ltd
Get Involved: Sign the ‘Pot-ition’
Now, we need your help. We’re launching a Pot-ition to demand better road conditions and faster repairs across Oxfordshire, starting with Banbury. By signing this petition, you can show your support for safer roads and demand action from local authorities.
Not only will your voice make a difference, but you’ll also get exclusive updates on our campaign and sign up for our newsletter, where we’ll share tips on how to protect your vehicle from pothole damage.
Recognising the Signs of Damage
Knowing when your vehicle has been affected by a pothole is key. Here are some basic tips:
- Unusual Vibrations: A rough ride or increased vibration could indicate that your wheels or suspension have taken a hit.
- Visible Damage: Check your alloy wheels for cracks, bends, or scrapes. Even minor damage can compromise the integrity of your wheels.
- Tyre Wear: Look for uneven tyre wear or bulges that might suggest internal damage.
- Handling Issues: If your car starts pulling to one side or feels unstable, it might be due to misaligned wheels.
At 14 Automotive, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing such issues. Our expert team offers precision wheel alignment, tyre repair, and alloy wheel repair services to ensure that any damage is promptly and effectively addressed.
A Community-Driven Approach
Our campaign is more than just advice, it’s about community engagement. We’re planning public events where drivers can:
- Share their experiences and tips.
- Attend live demonstrations on how to inspect and maintain their vehicles.
- Get one-on-one advice from our automotive experts.
These events will serve as a platform to not only educate but also to foster a sense of community as we collectively lobby for improved road maintenance in Banbury and throughout Oxfordshire.
Moving Forward with 14 Automotive
Our commitment at 14 Automotive goes beyond just fixing cars, we’re here to support you through every bump and pothole on the road. Whether it’s routine tyre checks, advanced wheel alignment, or alloy wheel refurbishment, our services are designed to keep your vehicle safe and reliable.
By launching this campaign, we invite you to join the conversation. Share your pothole stories, learn practical tips, and participate in our upcoming community events. Together, we can help create safer roads and ensure that every journey is as smooth as possible.
For any concerns about potential pothole damage or to schedule a check-up, feel free to contact Shane or call on 01295 271362.
Stay tuned for more posts in our series, where we’ll dive deeper into the challenges and solutions surrounding potholes.
