Pothole season is here! Winter’s thaw means drivers will suffer billions of dollars in damages
AAA estimates vehicle owners paid $26.5 billion in pothole-related damage in 2021
AAA: Potholes cost drivers $26.5 billion in 2021 alone
A new survey from AAA found that 1 in 10 drivers hit a pothole so hard that they needed to make repairs to their vehicle, poking a hole in our wallets as well. AAA Northeast spokesman Robert Sinclair Jr. joins FOX Weather for more.
The transition to spring means relief from winter’s grasp for millions, but what is good news for humans could be detrimental for vehicles now faced with the annual feat of avoiding potholes.
AAA estimates that one out of every ten drivers in 2021 sustained vehicle damage significant enough they needed immediate repairs after hitting a pothole.
Travel experts say potholes form when moisture enters cracks and crevices and expands and contracts due to rollercoaster-like temperatures that dip to below freezing at night and climb during the day.
The impact potholes have on your vehicle
Spokesperson of AAA Northeast Robert Sinclair discusses the dangers of potholes and how motorists can avoid damage.
"In many parts of the country, winter roads will likely give way to pothole-laden obstacle courses," Greg Brannon, AAA’s director of automotive engineering, said in a statement.
AAA estimated consumers faced $26.5 billion in pothole-related damages last year alone.
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A recent study conducted by QuoteWizard found that drivers in Washington had the biggest potholes problems out of any other state.
Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska and Ohio earned honors for rounding out the top five problem-plagued areas.
In addition to examining states, QuoteWizard analysts broke down the data even further and labeled Yakima, Washington, a city along Interstate 82 in the central part of the state, as America’s pothole capital.
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Experts say driving into these potholes can do everything from damaging a tire to leaving behind issues with your engine and exhaust system.
"When a vehicle hits a pothole with any kind of force, the tires, wheels and suspension get the brunt of the impact and fixing any of those items is pricey," Brannon said.
The auto club estimates drivers pay an average of around $600 per for repair work.
There are some preventive measures AAA suggests drivers take before they hit the road.
AAA recommends:
- Checking your tires for wear and tear and keeping them adequately inflated
- Make sure your vehicle is properly aligned
- Keep your eyes on the road and try to avoid depressions in pavement
- If you can’t steer clear of a pothole, avoid braking suddenly and monitor your vehicle for changes in its handling