AAA warns drivers of post-thaw potholes

COLUMBUS — It happens every winter: cycles of freezing and thawing cause potholes to develop on area roadways. These pesky potholes pose major risks for drivers and their vehicles. Potholes form when moisture collects in small holes and cracks in the road, a news release from the American Automobile Association notes. As temperatures rise and fall, freezing and thawing cause the moisture to expand and contract. This breaks up the pavement and, combined with the weight of passing vehicles, eventually results in a pothole. "Safety is the number-one concern when it comes to potholes," said Steve Miller, service manager of the AAA Car Care Plus Auto Repair and Tire Center, is quoted as saying in the release. "People need to be aware that they're out there so they can try to avoid them. The second concern with potholes is damage they can do to your vehicle." Potholes are often most prevalent under overpasses, where water drips onto the road from above, according to the news release. "But they can pop up anywhere. Running over large potholes can cause drivers to lose control, but simple steps can help drivers avoid them. Suggestions from the AAA include: Look Ahead — Make a point of checking the road ahead for potholes. This will make it easier to avoid them. Slow Down — Hitting a pothole at high speeds greatly increased the chance of damage to tires, wheels and suspension components.Beware of Puddles — A puddle of water can disguise a deep pothole.Damage from potholes can be instantaneous (a punctured tire), or it can be cumulative (misalignment in the steering system). Either way, proper car maintenance is critical to minimizing pothole damage, the release said. Suggestions from the AAA in that regard include: Inspect Tires — Make sure tires are properly inflated, and have enough tread. When it's cold outside, tire pressure decreases, which leaves the tires more susceptible to going flat, especially if they run into a pothole. Tires with shallow tread depth are also at risk.Inspect Suspension — Have a certified technician check to make sure that struts and shock absorbers are in good condition.Check Alignment — Hitting a pothole can knock a vehicle's wheels out of alignment and affect the steering and cause the vehicle to pull left or right.Recognize Noises/Vibrations — A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel and bend or break suspension components. See a certified technician for any new or unusual noises or vibrations that start after hitting a pothole.Repairing damage from potholes can be costly. A recent AAA survey found pothole repairs can cost anywhere from $250 to more than $1,000. Luckily, some insurance plans may help cover the cost. Motorists who believe their vehicle has been damaged by a pothole should check with their insurance provider to see what their plan covers, the news release says. For more information, visit website AAA.com.