Potholes are causing problems for metro drivers, and they could lead to costly repairs.
On Tuesday, potholes could be spotted across various spots of the metro area, including the Plaza, Volker Boulevard and on I-70.
Markl Johnson of the Missouri Department on Transportation said potholes tend to show up this time of year due to the changing weather patterns.
"Winter comes, winter goes. But potholes form once it starts to warm up again," he explained.
Johnson said MoDOT crews go out and fill potholes on a near-daily basis.
"It's the variation in temperatures that's causing potholes," said Johnson.
Driving over a pothole can cause all sorts of problems for a car. According to car experts, going over a pothole at a high speed can damage tires, a car's suspension, tie rods and coil springs, among other parts.
Able Auto Service manager Rob Greiner said he's seeing more and more customers come in asking to repair cars damaged by potholes.
"Today's cars are built like they used to be," he explained. "They're a lot lighter duty in my opinion."
Grenier said the cost of repairs can vary. In a best case scenario, replacement parts could be installed for as little as $50. However, if a car is badly damaged from a pothole, he said the cost could be somewhere in the thousands.
"When you do hit a pothole, it can cost deeply in a pocket," he explained.
Grenier said the dangers of potholes and the potential cost of making repairs are good reminders to drive safely.
"Try to avoid potholes when you can because they're all over the city," explained Greiner.
MoDOT encourages drivers in the metro area to report potholes whenever they see one. To report a pothole on the MoDOT website, click here. Reports can also be tweeted to @MoDOT on Twitter & on MoDOT's Facebook page.
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Tom Dempsey can be reached at Tom.Dempsey@KSHB.com.
