Pothole season is here. Why do roads crack in winter, anyway?
It's all due to the freeze-thaw cycle. But what does that mean -- and how much does it cost Canadians?
It's been a wild winter so far in Canada, from bone-chilling temperatures to towering snow piles, we are definitely living up to our reputation of being the Great White North.
And with the chill, you've probably been seeing a familiar sight on Canadian streets and highways: Cracked and damaged roads.
In fact, the problem is so bad in Montreal, Quebec that mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada recently held a press conference to address the situation, after she hit two potholes on the same street, resulting in two flat tires.
What causes potholes?
The main culprit is the freeze-thaw cycle. During the day, snow and ice melt, seeping water into tiny cracks in the pavement.
At night, when temperatures dip below freezing, the water turns into ice, which expands and puts pressure on the pavement, widening the cracks.
When cars pass over those vulnerable spots, the damage gets worse and it can lead to potholes. The cycle repeats throughout the winter.
The freeze-thaw cycle. (Cheryl Santa Maria/Canva)
Road salt can worsen the situation. While it helps melt ice, it can also speed up the deterioration of the road.
There's a big price tag to all of this: A 2021 report by the Canadian Automobile Association says potholes cost Canadians an extra $3 billion a year in vehicle maintenance -- which averages out to about $126 per driver. We also pay for potholes through our taxes, because municipalities budget hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of dollars each winter for city repairs.
Some cities, Like Thunder Bay, Ont., have trialed the use of longer-lasting, more environmentally-friendly asphalts to protect roads before winter hits. But with more than a million kilometers of road across the country, it’s an ongoing challenge.
So you've hit a bump, and now your car has sustained damage
The best way to avoid damage to your car is to drive with caution, but sometimes, that won't be enough.
If you hit a pothole and your car becomes damaged, do not exit your car unless you are a safe distance from oncoming traffic, Raymond Chan of CAA South Central Ontario told The Weather Network in 2020.
If you cannot operate your car, call for assistance. Some cities will cover pothole repairs, so don't forget to check the municipal website.
Editor's note: This article contains files from Emily Vukovic, former reporter at The Weather Network. Header image made by Cheryl Santa Maria for The Weather Network using assets from Canva Pro.