Halifax’s pothole problem is causing damage beyond tires, a mechanic says

A Halifax mechanic is warning that potholes are damaging more than tires - they are causing costly suspension repairs and hidden hazards from water-filled crate

Mechanic Paul Shaw has never been busier, and the reason is the damage caused to vehicles because of potholes.

“It is not just related to the tire,” said Shaw. “Now we are seeing damage to suspension components, sway bars and control arms.”

The repairs are costing some drivers thousands of dollars and Shaw said it is becoming a commuting nightmare for drivers in the Halifax area.

“They are dodging potholes on the road everywhere,” said Shaw. “The problem with potholes is some of them have freestanding water in them, so you can’t see them.”

Shaw said potholes are caused mostly by winter frost heave and heavy snowplows ripping up roads.

He’s urging drivers to extreme caution.

“Sometimes when avoiding a pothole, you cause more damage,” he said.

Plumber Trevor Wheatley drives his truck every day and believes there are more potholes this year than he’s ever seen before.

“This year seems to be about 40 per cent worse in my opinion,” said Wheatley.

According to Halifax Regional Municipality spokesperson Jake Fulton, Wheatley is not far off.

“There is about one-and-a-half times as many potholes than there were last year,” said Fulton, who added that when the weather is dry, city crews are always busy trying to repair as many potholes as possible. “We have filled 5,100 potholes so far this season compared to filling just under 3,000 by the same time last year.”

Halifax’s municipal government is willing to pay for some damage to vehicles caused by potholes, if drivers file a formal claim -- which is good news for Wheatley, who lost an expensive hubcap last week.

“Here’s the problem with the hubcap, I can’t buy one,” said Wheatley. “I have to buy a set of four and they are about $600.”

Wheatley is trying to be patient, but he has a message for city workers.

“Please be more efficient at filling them,” he said. “I find they are filling some, and two feet away there will be another pothole, and they don’t seem to be filling them all.”

The good news for Halifax drivers is the potholes and bumpy roads will be fixed soon. However, that requires crews and lots of roadwork, blocking city streets and slowing down traffic considerably during the spring and summer seasons.