Large Pot Hole Staples Entrance - EPSOM, SURREY

by RobRooke

12 Aug 2011

I drove over this pot hole on Saturday 5th August situated at the entrance to Staples and Majestic Wine on 31-37 East Street, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 1BD.

There was a cone on the pavement but not over the pot hole so I was not able to see the pot hole as I believe it should be to mark where it is. My left wheel went down the pot hole and there was a big bang as the hole hit the bottom of my car under the left wheel. I had a quick look at any damage and couldn’t see any at first look so I drove off.

I rarely use my car as I work in London so I commute on the train. I did not therefore notice any clear damage until I went to use the car on the weekend of August 12th. I noticed there was a lot of Oil leakage from under the car. This was on the front left hand side of the car exactly where I had hit the pot hole. I checked all the oils that I can get to in the engine and they all seemed fine. As this wasn’t right I took it into my local garage when I next could (Thursday 11th August) and they said that It was the oil from the gear box that was leaking and something had been dislodged in their gear box from going down the pot hole and that now has to be replaced. Also due to the oil leaking on the clutch the car is losing power so it is highly likely that the clutch also has to be repaired at a further cost. The mechanic this morning quoted me £1,000 minimum to fix this. The gear box alone is £660 that excludes labor.

I wanted to report this pot hole before I make a claim and to make other drivers aware of the damage it can and im sure already has caused to other cars.