Winter in the Midwest can be brutal on roads, and by the time spring arrives, potholes seem to be everywhere. For drivers in Wisconsin, Illinois, and across the region, potholes are more than just an annoyance. They can cause serious damage to your vehicle and lead to costly repairs if left unchecked.
At Kunes Auto Group, we see firsthand how winter road conditions impact vehicles. Understanding how potholes affect your car and knowing what to inspect after the season ends can help you stay safe and avoid expensive surprises.
Why Potholes Form After Winter
Potholes develop when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement. During winter, that water freezes and expands, weakening the road surface. As temperatures fluctuate between freezing and thawing, the pavement breaks apart. When vehicles drive over these weakened areas, chunks of asphalt can dislodge, creating potholes.
The combination of snow, ice, road salt, and heavy traffic accelerates this process. By late winter and early spring, roads are often at their worst.
