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The Ultimate Guide to Potholes in Kansas City

Aug 1, 2021

Insurance claims spike each winter, and a large reason for that increase is because of potholes. With more than 500,000 pothole-related claims filed every year, it’s not surprising that so many drivers loathe the season — it’s cold, the sun barely shines, and the roads are unkind to wheels, hubcaps and tires.

Let your seething anger subside, friend! There are a few ways to mitigate or altogether prevent pothole damage from landing your car in one of our body shops near Kansas City. Follow along with this helpful guide and FAQ into the wonderful world of Potholeville.

What are Potholes, Exactly?

Potholes, as you know, are holes in the road. They can range from small to enormous, but most are formed during the cold months.

The reason they are the bane of our existence is that nasty freeze-thaw cycle. As the temperatures rise during the day, ice and snow melt and that water then finds its way into the small cracks and crevices in the road. When the temperature drops (usually at night), that water freezes and expands. With nowhere to go, the newly formed ice pushes the pavement up, damaging it further. As plows and vehicles drive over these damaged portions, potholes are born.

What Type of Damage Can Potholes Cause?

Joggers might get a sprained ankle if they hit a pothole. But we’re sure you were asking for your car, right?

Potholes can cause a number of car-related issues, including:

  • Flat tires (and general tire damage)
  • Lost hubcaps
  • Misalignment of wheels
  • Snapped or bent axles
  • Damaged suspensions
  • Broken mufflers
  • Undercarriage damage

What are the Signs of Pothole Damage?

Unless you’re unlucky, striking one pothole won’t result in damage. However, the more potholes you hit, the more likely your car will feel their ill-effects. Here are a few signs that your car might be the victim of a multiple-potholicide.

  • The vehicle pulls right or left, unassisted (alignment issue)
  • Constant low tire pressure
  • Bulging tire walls
  • Dented wheel rims and hubcaps
  • Excessive bouncing and cabin movement (suspension issue)
  • Uneven tire tread
  • Odd noises when traveling over bumps or other potholes

When in doubt, ask your mechanic or one of our Kansas City collision repair technicians to perform a wheel alignment and check for damage.

How Can I Avoid Potholes?

Kansas City is littered with potholes—in fact, KC is one of the most pothole-infested cities in America! —so avoiding them might be difficult. Here are some tactics to enlist as you take on those Swiss-cheese roads this winter.

  • Always use caution when approaching standing snow, ice, or water puddles, as they may be hiding a secret pothole.
  • Watch the traffic in front of you. If vehicles are making strange turns or slowing down, it might indicate that road damage is incoming.
  • Slow down when traveling on poorly kept roads.
  • Keep your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. When an underinflated tire meets a pothole, bad things can happen.
  • Perform alignments more often during the winter months.
  • Be prepared by having your hands on the steering wheel at all times (loss of control is a possibility after hitting a hole).
  • Always inspect your tires before driving to ensure they’re not flat or obviously defective.

But the best way to avoid those pesky potholes is to get them repaired.

Who Do I Contact for Pothole Repairs?

If you live in the Kansas City areas of Missouri and Kansas, you can use the following contact information to report road damage:

  • Kansas City, Missouri – Call MoDOT’s 24-7 service center at 888-275-6636 or file a report online at modot.org.
  • Kansas City, Kansas – Call the City Hall at 913-573-5500 and request more information about reporting a pothole to be patched.

As always, if you need assistance with auto body damage caused by a pothole or collision, visit one of our body shops near Kansas City. We offer free estimates and will work with nearly any insurance company. Call 800-NEW-AGAIN or visit one of our Kansas City collision repair centers today.

McCarthy Collision Centers provide auto body repairs in Blue Springs, and Lee’s Summit, as well as the Kansas towns of Olathe and Overland Park.

Posted in Car Tips, McCarthy Collision Center News | Comments Off on The Ultimate Guide to Potholes in Kansas City

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