Have you ever wondered why potholes appear on roadways during the winter months? Water from melting snow and ice seeps into pavement and the sub-material between pavement and soil below. When repeated spells of cold weather occur, the water in the pavement refreezes and expands, breaking up the pavement at and below the road surface. When the ice melts again, the resulting gaps inside the pavement and moisture soften the asphalt. The damaged asphalt can't support the weight of cars – as more vehicles pass over the weakened spot, pieces of pavement get broken away, leaving behind a hole.
In most places, you can report potholes to the city streets department or the state transportation department for repair. If you hit a pothole in your vehicle and notice steering problems, low tire pressure, or visible bulges or blisters on your tires, it's a good idea to have a professional check your vehicle for damage and make any necessary repairs.
(Sources: Virginia Department of Transportation. "Getting to the Bottom: How do Potholes Form?" and Reuters, January 2008. "Beware of Potholes, Says Car Council." http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS161904+28-Jan-2008+PRN20080128)
