POTHOLE SEASON has arrived earlier than usual this year, putting drivers at greater risk of a breakdown, the need for a tow and potentially costly repairs.

A survey by AAA released in 2022 found Americans spend billions of dollars every year to repair damages caused by potholes, with costs averaging from over $400 to nearly $600 per repair, depending on the extent of damage.

Freezing and thawing to blame

Pavement that has become cracked or even crumbling sets up the perfect environment for potholes to form. Moisture collects in the crevices in the roadway surface and when temperatures fluctuate, it sets up a pattern of contracting and expanding as the water freezes and thaws.

That breaks up the pavement, particularly in spots already weakened with cracks. Add the weight of passing cars and eventually a pothole forms.

“These concrete craters can wreak havoc on a vehicle’s tires, alignment, suspension and shocks,” explains Kara Hitchens, public affairs manager, AAA. “This is a weather pattern we typically see in the spring, but this year, we’re already seeing pothole season in full force because of the fluctuations in temperatures.”

No longer an easy fix

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 can quickly become pricey, Hitchens says.

Even a flat tire as a result of a collision with a pothole is not always a quick or easy fix because a growing number of vehicles no longer have a useable spare, something many vehicle owners don’t realize until they experience a problem.

“Many new cars do not come with a spare, so the one thing drivers can do to minimize the need for a tow is to check their vehicle right now to determine whether or not they have a spare tire,” Hitchens adds.

In addition to tire troubles, damage caused by potholes may include dented rims, damaged wheels, dislodged wheel weights, displaced struts, dislocated shock absorbers, damaged exhaust systems, misaligned steering systems and ruptured ball joints.

Is your pothole damage covered by insurance?

Typically, insurance doesn’t cover a flat tire because it is considered basic wear and tear. But, if a blowout is caused by a pothole, the tow and additional damages to your vehicle may be covered, depending on your level of coverage. Your vehicle insurance policy must include collision coverage for pothole damage to be covered.

“Drivers who opt for minimum coverage may find themselves paying a steep price when it comes to potholes,” continues Hitchens. “You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to learn this costly lesson.”

The AAA survey found that on average, one in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With the early arrival of pothole season, AAA urges all vehicle owners to talk to their insurance advisors now to ensure they are adequately covered, should the need arise.

Avoiding potholes

Of course, the best way to prevent pothole damage or tire troubles that might require a tow is avoiding potholes altogether.

AAA offers the following tips for avoiding potholes and minimizing their damage:

∫ Beware of puddles — Puddles are often potholes in disguise.

∫ Stay alert and look ahead — Make a point of scanning the road ahead for potholes. An alert driver is more likely to have time to avoid a pothole.

∫ Increase following distance — This will give you additional time to avoid potholes otherwise hidden by the vehicle in front of you.

∫ Limit distractions — Avoiding a pothole is much easier if you pay attention to the road ahead.

∫ Slow down — Slowing down will increase the chance of avoiding a pothole, and if you can’t avoid a pothole, reduced speed will likely mean reduced damage.

∫ Inspect tires — Make sure tires are properly inflated and have a healthy tread. Tires that are not road-ready are at greater risk of a blowout or flat.

∫ Take care of your spare — Check your vehicle. Many newer cars do not have spare tires or the spare is unusable, causing greater inconvenience to drivers and their passengers in the event of a flat.

∫ Don’t ignore noises/vibrations — A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage the tire or wheel and even break suspension components. Any unusual noises after a pothole hit should be inspected immediately.

A properly maintained vehicle, including tires, can help minimize the risk of pothole damage and keep you safer in all types of weather.