(Rehoboth Beach, Del.)- As we begint o thaw out from the cold winter, Delaware Department of Transportation crews will trade in salt for asphalt.
DelDot says, potholes form when mouisture seeps into the roadways and freezes. The pavement begins to weaken as it thaws. When the water evaporates, air pockets can form and break up the road. Potholes can sneak up on drivers and cause major damage to your vehicle.
"The main concerns with hitting potholes is blowing out tires, blowing out shots, and cracking springs," said Justin Strater, Senior Technician, Meineke. "Which are all major safety concerns."
According to AAA, in the last 5 years, $27 billion has been spent to repair potholes.
Last March, AAA responded to more than 27,000 tire-related calls.
Hitting a pothole could cause more than a dent to your car.
"The damage can run anywhere from a cost of 150 dollars upwards of thousands of dollars due to potholes," said Lisa Louth, Brandywine Body Shop Owner.
To protect your vehicle from pothole damage you should slow down, avoid swerving, and avoid braking while driving through a pothole.
If you know where there's a big pothole that need to be fixed, call DelDot at 302-760-2080.
