As winter wears on, roads start to break apart. Freeze and thaw cycles crack pavement, plows scrape the surface and the result is a bumper crop of potholes. Many drivers think of potholes as a highway problem, but curbside parking lanes, gutters and parking lots take a beating too, and those are exactly the places you pull in and out of every day.
Why potholes form in late winter
Water seeps into small cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, widening the cracks. When it thaws, the pavement is left weakened with gaps beneath it. Traffic pressing on the weakened surface breaks pieces loose, and a pothole opens. Repeated freeze-thaw swings, common in late winter, speed the process. Plow blades and heavy vehicles add to the wear.
Gutters and curb lanes are especially vulnerable because water collects there and snowbanks melt into them.
Parking spots to watch
- Curbside lanes. Holes often hide near the curb, under slush or puddles, right where your tire lands when you pull in.
- Parking lot entrances. The transition from street to lot often cracks first.
- Older surface lots. Lots without recent resurfacing can develop holes and broken patches.
- Around drains. Pavement near storm drains can settle and break.
A puddle in a parking space can hide a deep hole. When you have a choice, pick a space where you can see solid pavement.
How to protect your car
Slow down when entering lots and pulling into curb spaces, especially when the surface is wet or covered. If you cannot avoid a pothole, reduce speed before reaching it and avoid braking hard while your tire is in it, since braking shifts weight to the front wheels. Keep tires properly inflated, because underinflated tires are more easily damaged by impacts. Check pressure regularly in late winter, when temperature swings make it fluctuate.
Signs of damage
After a hard hit, watch for:
- A bulge or bubble on the tire sidewall
- A steering wheel that pulls or sits off center
- New vibrations at certain speeds
- A dashboard tire pressure warning
- Visible bends or cracks in the wheel
A sidewall bulge can be a safety issue, so have a mechanic or tire shop look at it promptly.
Reporting potholes
Many cities take pothole reports through a 311 line, a website or an app. Reporting holes on your street or near your regular parking spot helps crews find them. For potholes in private lots, tell the property owner or manager. Some cities have a process for claims when road damage causes vehicle damage, with specific requirements and deadlines. Check your city’s official site for details, and talk to a professional if you need advice on a claim.
A Late-Winter Wheel and Tire Check You Can Do at the Curb
You do not need a lift or special tools to catch many pothole problems early. A few minutes beside the car, once a week during the worst of pothole season, can reveal damage before it becomes a breakdown or a blowout.
- Check pressure when the tires are cold. Morning, before driving, gives the most accurate reading. Compare each tire with the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
- Walk around and look at each sidewall. Turn the steering wheel fully to one side to see the front tires more easily. Look for bulges, cuts or scuffs that go deeper than the surface.
- Look at the wheel edges. A bent rim lip or a crack can cause slow air leaks. If one tire keeps losing pressure after a hard hit, the wheel may be the reason.
- Check the tread. Look for uneven wear across the tread, which can hint at alignment problems after repeated impacts.
- Notice how the car drives. On your next trip, pay attention to pulling, vibration or a steering wheel that is no longer centered.
If anything looks or feels wrong, a tire shop or mechanic can inspect the tire, wheel, suspension and alignment. Bulges in particular should be checked right away.
Parking Habits That Reduce Pothole Damage
- Approach curb spaces slowly and straight. Coming in at an angle at speed puts the tire into the gutter, where holes often hide.
- Avoid scraping the curb. Curbs hidden by slush can scuff sidewalls and bend wheel edges. Stop short and adjust rather than rolling until you feel contact.
- Use your regular route knowledge. If you know a bad hole near your usual space or driveway, plan your approach around it.
- Choose cleared spaces in lots. Spaces where you can see the pavement are less likely to hide a hole than those covered with water or slush.
- Do not brake in the hole. If you cannot avoid a pothole, slow before it and release the brake as the tire crosses it, which lets the suspension absorb the impact.
What this means for drivers who park on the street every day
Street parkers experience more curb contact and gutter potholes than drivers who pull into a garage. Over a long winter, that adds up. Paying attention to tire pressure, choosing your entry angle carefully and keeping an eye out for new holes on your block can make a real difference to how your tires and wheels fare by spring.
Common Pothole Mistakes
- Swerving suddenly to avoid a hole. A sharp swerve on wet or icy pavement, especially near parked cars or pedestrians, can be more dangerous than the pothole itself. Slow down and check around you before steering around it.
- Ignoring a warning light. A tire pressure warning after a hard hit is a reason to check right away.
- Driving on a damaged tire. Bulges and sidewall cuts can lead to sudden failure. Use the spare or call for help instead.
- Waiting to report. Reporting a hole promptly gives crews more time to fix it before it causes damage to more cars, and some claims processes have deadlines.
Pothole Questions Drivers Ask
Can a pothole damage my alignment even if the tire looks fine?
Yes. A hard impact can affect alignment or suspension parts without visible tire damage. Pulling, uneven tire wear or an off-center steering wheel are common signs.
Should I check my spare tire in late winter?
It is a good idea. If a pothole damages a tire, you want your spare to be properly inflated and ready. Some cars use a repair kit instead of a spare, so check what yours has.
Who fixes potholes in parking lots?
Private lots are generally the responsibility of the property owner or manager. Let them know about holes you notice, especially in heavily used spaces or entrances.
