How much pothole damage really costs — and how to avoid it

Potholes can damage tires, wheels, suspension and even driver-assist systems. Here’s how to limit the harm and what common repairs may cost.

Potholes will come for us all one day. While many of them are minor and barely affect your vehicle beyond the obvious bump, some of the larger ones can cause some serious damage if you hit them hard enough.

While many drivers believe the only damage caused by potholes is to the wheels and tires, there can be hidden damage, too.

The prices for repairs from potholes can vary depending on what exactly is broken. The average repair price can start around $200 on the low end if all that needs to be repaired is a punctured tire or a cracked wheel. It will get worse if other suspension components or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems are damaged.

Potholes can be caused by many factors. One of the most common ways potholes form is when water seeps into the cracks in the road and freezes, expanding the cracks. Another way they can form is by the constant load of heavy vehicles driving over cracks that can loosen and move the pavement.

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