Charles Roberts, Heritage Volkswagen's brand manager, said: 'Hitting a pothole can damage the tyres, wheels, suspension or steering. It could even cause an accident.

'Commercial vehicles are particularly vulnerable as they are heavier than normal cars, and often carry loads.

'The most common repair work is on broken wheel rims, split tyres and wheels forced out of alignment, causing steering problems.

'Drivers may not be aware if you hit a pothole that hasn't been reported to the local council and damage your car, you can't claim against the council because they can say they didn't know about it.

'We're advising drivers to inform the local council of any potholes, so they can be repaired and reduce the damage to other vehicles using the road.'

The AA backed the warning, and said that emergency road maintenance funding was required to stop crumbling roads costing more in compensation and accidents.

AA President Edmund King said this week: 'The pothole season has come early thisyear. Drivers are relieved when the snow and ice has gone, but shouldn't be complacent.

'Due to the severe winter, it could be a record year for potholes – one million scars of the worst winter in 30 years.'