Michigan is One of the Worst States for Potholes in 2024

Michigan drivers know that terrible feeling of driving along and hitting a giant pothole.

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You hold onto the steering wheel for dear life praying that your tire didn't pop and that your rim didn't get bent.

According to AAA, American drivers spend nearly $3 billion a year fixing car damage caused by potholes.

What Causes A Pothole

Potholes are created when snow and ice melt as part of Michigan's seasonal freeze-thaw cycles. When moisture seeps into the pavement and freezes, it causes the ground to expand and push the pavement up creating a gap. As temperatures rise, the ground returns to normal level creating a void or gap between the pavement and ground below it. When vehicles drive over the gap, the pavement weakens leading to a pothole.

What To Do If You Can't Avoid A Pothole

MDOT says, If you spot a pothole ahead and cannot safely steer to avoid it, it is best to slow down, straighten your wheel to hit it squarely, release the brakes, and roll through. This helps to reduce the speed at impact and give your suspension the full range of travel to absorb the impact. Hitting a pothole at an angle can transfer the energy of impact in ways more likely to damage your vehicle.

Damage Done By Potholes

Potholes can cause various damages to vehicles, including knocking the wheels out of alignment, affecting the steering, bending or cracking wheel rims, internal tire damage, suspension and shock issues, and damage to the vehicle's undercarriage.

The impact of hitting a pothole can lead to costly repairs, with an average price tag of almost $600 per repair

How Bad Are Michigan Potholes

Michigan has some of the worst potholes in the country

For 2024 Michigan found itself as the 5th worst state for potholes. The other states ahead of us were #4 Indiana, #3 Washington, #2 California, and #1 Minnesota.

How To Report Potholes

You can report potholes on state trunklines (M, I, or US routes) by filling out the online form or calling 888-296-4546. To report other potholes, contact your county road commission or local municipality.

You can click here to report a pothole in Michigan.