Fluctuating temperatures are in Northern Michigan’s forecast. Will they bring potholes?

Fluctuating temperatures are expected in Northern Michigan during the final week of February — a pattern which creates the right environment for pothole formation, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Michigan’s long and well-known pothole season is responsible for numerous car repair bills each year.

A 2024 survey from AAA found that 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. With an average price tag of almost $600 per repair, damage caused by potholes costs American motorists almost $3 billion each year.

“Even worse, hitting a pothole — or taking the wrong measures to avoid one — could cause a crash and personal injuries,” AAA said.

The Michigan Department of Transportation provides information on how to report potholes on roads it maintains. Many Michigan cities also have pothole report numbers.

Can I report large potholes on highways?

MDOT has an online form to report a pothole where you can pinpoint the location of the pothole and describe its size, depth and overall danger to passing vehicles.

You can also call 888-296-4546 to report potholes on state roads. Your report will be forwarded to the correct MDOT region office for action.

How are potholes created?

Potholes are created during Michigan’s seasonal freeze thaw cycles, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

When the moisture seeps underneath the pavement and freezes, it causes the ground to expand and push the pavement up. When the temperature rises again, the ground sinks back to its normal level and leaves a gap between the pavement and the ground.

Without support, the pavement cracks and breaks, and leaves a hole behind.

Northern Michigan and the eastern Upper Peninsula have seen subfreezing conditions during much of February. However, daily high temperatures in the mid-30s are expected in the early part of the upcoming week, alternating with nightly dips below the freezing mark.

How to prevent tire damage from potholes

According to MDOT, Michiganders can keep their tires in good shape by:

• Being alert: Driving alert is easier to do when you are driving cautiously and not tailgating, allowing more time to see and react.

• Vehicle maintenance: Making sure your tires are properly inflated, checking your vehicle suspension and steering components can help cushion the blow.

• Driving technique: If you spot a pothole ahead and cannot safely steer to avoid it, slow down, straighten your wheel to hit it squarely, release the brakes, and roll through, which will help to reduce the speed at impact and give your suspension the full range of travel to absorb the impact.

What should I do if I do hit a big pothole?

After the jarring shock of hitting a pothole, AAA says it’s crucial to check things over to ensure your vehicle survives pothole season, including:

• Inspect your vehicle: Look for any obvious signs of damage.

• Listen for new Noises or vibrations: New noises or vibrations usually indicate that something is wrong.

• Check tire pressure: With a tire pressure gauge as your trusty sidekick, check if your tires are still holding air or if the pothole has created a leak.

• Have alignment and suspension inspected: If your car pulls to the side after hitting a pothole, a wheel may be out of alignment. Damage to struts, shock absorbers and other parts can also affect the way your car drives.

• Visit a professional: If your car’s performance post-pothole feels unpredictable take it to a trusted mechanic.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Changing weather can bring potholes in Michigan. What to do

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