Why Melbourne's Potholes Are Destroying Commercial Tyres in 2025

Melbourne’s road network is under enormous pressure. The RACV reported over 370,000 pothole repairs carried out across Victoria in 2023 alone — and commercial vehicle operators are bearing the brunt of the damage.

For truck drivers and fleet operators running Melbourne’s major freight corridors — the Hume Highway, Princes Freeway, and Western Ring Road — tyre damage from road surface deterioration is a real and growing cost.

What does a pothole actually do to a tyre?

When a commercial vehicle hits a pothole at speed, the impact forces the tyre sidewall to compress violently against the wheel rim. This can cause:

• Sidewall bulging or cracking
• Internal structural damage that isn’t visible externally
• Wheel rim damage leading to slow leaks
• Premature tread wear due to alignment disruption

The hidden cost of ‘good enough’ tyres

Many operators try to manage costs by running lower-cost tyres or retreads. On smooth suburban roads, this can work. On Melbourne’s freight routes, it’s a false economy. A blowout at highway speed doesn’t just cost a tyre — it costs you roadside downtime, potential load damage, a towing bill, and in worst cases, a serious safety incident.

What to look for after hitting a pothole

If your truck or fleet vehicle hits a significant pothole, have the following checked before your next long run:

• Tyre sidewall inspection (internal damage won’t always be visible)
• Wheel balance check
• Wheel alignment check
• Rim inspection for cracking or bending

Ruband Tyres has been keeping Melbourne’s trucks on the road since 1998. For a fleet tyre inspection or 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, call us on (03) 9729 8799.