Drivers may see an increase in potholes across London with the freeze-thaw cycle of late winter, a time that has automotive repair shops busier than usual and drivers getting hit with damage costs.
“We’ve definitely seen a spike in traffic with damage from potholes,” said Josh Greenaway, an automotive expert at Hanford’s Tire and Service.
Josh Greenaway, automotive expert at Hanford’s Tire and Service. (Credit: Hanford’s Tire & Service Facebook)
With melting snow and occasional rainfall, Greenaway said potholes are less noticeable while driving.
“Usually this time of year they’re filled with water, it’s hard to tell how deep a pothole is,” said Greenaway.
Steering, suspension, tires and rims are the most common areas to get damaged by a pothole, said Greenaway, and not all problems are immediately noticeable.
He said repair costs can vary depending on what kind of service you need, but drivers can expect to pay one to a few hundred dollars to fix their vehicle.
“It is important to make sure the vehicle is looked at if in fact that does happen, and things like alignment should be done at least once a year regardless just as part of the car’s maintenance.”
One driver, Michelle Thomas, hit a pothole on Feb. 3 while leaving her workplace on North Centre Rd. near Masonville Mall, damaging one of her tires.
“I’m so lucky there was nobody behind me… you could get hurt, they could hit you or you could hit a car in front of you,” said Thomas.
After the damage was assessed at a garage, she learned that the tire needing replacement was discontinued.
“We had to buy four new tires at the lovely price of $2,500,” said Thomas sarcastically.
She reported it to the city with pictures of the damage and location it was hit, but was told by an auto garage that the city usually only gives money back for the tire that was affected.
Despite waiting over three weeks, Thomas said she has not yet been reimbursed.
Damage to Michelle Thomas’ tire from hitting a pothole on North Centre Rd. on Feb. 3, 2026. (Michelle Thomas)
“They still haven’t gone and fixed that street yet,” said Thomas, who warned her co-workers to be careful when turning onto that road.
Reports can be made to the City of London online if you see a pothole or have your car damaged going over one, and the speed of filling pot holes is based on maintenance standards.
“The standards range from 4 – 30 days depending on the classification of the street,” said the City of London website.
Drivers must report the name of the street, nearest municipal building number, name of nearest cross-street, and lane location.
XFM News reached out to City of London to speak with Manager of Road Operations, Joel Gillard, but he was not available at the time of this publication.
