OHIO — For Ohio drivers, a familiar enemy has returned to the roads: potholes. 

According to AAA, potholes can put drivers at risk of a breakdown, the need for a tow truck and sometimes costly repairs. The trending warm weather is only contributing to the problem, as fluctuating temperatures cause potholes to form.

“When a cold spell is followed by a warming trend, water in the pavement expands and contracts, leaving it cracked and vulnerable to the wear and tear of traffic,” said Kara Hitchens, AAA spokesperson, in a news release. “This is a weather pattern we typically see in the spring, but this year, we’re already getting calls from members with tire troubles related to potholes.”

Damage caused by potholes could include: flat tires, dented rims, damaged wheels, dislodged wheel weights, displaced struts, dislocated shock absorbers, damaged exhaust systems, misaligned steering systems and ruptured ball joints.

In 2021, a survey by AAA showed Americans faced an average price tags of $600 per repair caused by potholes. Last year, AAA Emergency Rescue data showed Ohioans had almost 60,000 calls relating to tires, and 20% of those calls resulted in the need for a tow because of a lack of a spare.

If a spare had been available, nearly 6,000 AAA members could have avoided the time and potential expense of a tow.

“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 trunk right now,” Hitchens said.

In most cases, insurance does not cover flat tires, as it is considered basic wear and tear, but if a blowout is caused by a pothole, depending on the level of coverage, the expenses may be covered.

“Drivers who opt for minimum coverage may find themselves paying a steep price when it comes to potholes,” said Dan Scroggins, spokesperson for the Insurance Agency at AAA. “You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to learn this costly lesson.”

One in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair, according to the AAA survey. 

AAA's tips on avoiding potholes:

• Beware of puddles
• Look ahead
• Increase following 
• Limit distractions
• Slow down
• Inspect tires
• Take care of the spare
• Don't ignore noises/vibrations