The RAC warns that very hot conditions and strong sunlight can contribute to road surface damage, potentially increasing potholes. It says ultraviolet radiation can age road materials, while greater heat from the sun can make road surfaces brittle and more prone to cracking as they cool.
The outlet links the risk to recent extremes, describing the summer as the hottest on record. In this account, the main focus is on sun-related deterioration rather than previously emphasised factors such as freezing temperatures or heavy rainfall. The warning highlights how heat can alter the physical properties of road materials and speed up wear, especially during periods of intense heat.
While other causes of potholes—such as water ingress, repeated freeze-thaw cycles, or traffic-related wear—are commonly discussed, this report concentrates on how high UV exposure and thermal effects can undermine road integrity over time. The RAC’s message is that motorists should expect road defects even without cold or wet weather.
