As temperatures swing from mild to freezing and back again, potholes are cropping up on Edmonton and area roads.
Potholes form when water on roadways gets into cracks and expands in the freeze-thaw cycle.
The city says it’s seeing more potholes this year than last, and they can cause serious damage to vehicles.
“If you’ve hit something hard enough with the wheel, there’s probably a good chance that you’ve also then damaged suspension components and steering components, which then just adds to the whole list of not having a good day,” says Robert McMaster of The Wheel Clinic.
McMaster says the average repair cost for a cracked rim is $200.
And avoiding potholes can be tricky.
The Alberta Motor Association says the best thing drivers can do is to slow down.
“Too many people follow too closely. And what ends up happening is the car in front of you hits the pothole, and then you don’t have time enough to react before you hit it,” says AMA driving instructor Dennis Porter.
He adds swerving isn’t the safest option, but if you have to do it, check your blind spots first.
If you hit a pothole, don’t slam on the brakes.
“If you’re hard on the brakes and then you hit (the pothole), that’s when you get your suspension damage.”
“I’ve seen a few times where people will just slam on the brakes when they hit the pothole. “I’ve seen a lot of people almost getting (in) rear end collisions.”
And if you do suspect your vehicle may have sustained damage, make sure to pull over to a safe place.
“Go forward enough till you’re in a safe spot to pull off to the side of the road. Put your hazards on.”
“Get off to the side of the road best you can so that you’re safe as well as your vehicle.”
Potholes can be reported to the City of Edmonton by calling 311 or through the 311 app.
