Poor road conditions can make an unexpected dent in your vehicle — and your finances. The CAA Worst Roads 2026 survey finds that 38 percent of Ontario Members have damaged their cars on bad roads, with potholes the primary culprit. The costs of everyday wear-and-tear on tires, wheels and suspension can add up. On average, Ontario drivers spend $932 per year on car repairs, with 8 out of 10 paying out of pocket, while 10 percent don’t bother to repair at all.

Well-paved roads don’t just make for smoother drives — they can also save you the cost of future repairs by preventing damage to your vehicle. Here are the hidden costs of poor road conditions.

Potholes

According to the same survey, 85 percent of Ontario Members have experienced car damage from potholes, especially on main roads in the Toronto and Hamilton/Niagara regions. Even at slower speeds, these craters can bend your rims, damage your tires, throw off your vehicle’s alignment and wear down your suspension. The most pockmarked roads are the worst offenders, where hitting a pothole at high speed can cause a tire blowout.

Uneven pavement

Not all damage comes from a sudden impact. Cracked or uneven surfaces can also strain your vehicle, impacting steering and alignment. When your wheels are out of alignment, the car may pull to one side, which can wear out your tires and shorten their lifespan. Steering components that connect the steering rack to your wheels (tie rod ends) can also wear down faster on rough roads. Addressing small issues early not only improves safety on the road but can help prevent more serious mechanical failures and higher repair bills down the line.

Sunken sewer grates

Sunken or raised sewer grates may seem harmless, but they can cause real damage, from blown-out tires and warped rims to suspension issues and scraped undercarriages. Be proactive about car maintenance to avoid the cost of car damage repair. Regularly inspect your tires for pressure and wear, keep your wheels properly aligned, and listen for changes in how your car handles, especially after driving on rough roads.

Ultimately, better roads benefit not just individual drivers, but entire communities by improving safety, reducing expenses and supporting more reliable transportation.

Learn more about the CAA Worst Roads campaign here and discover how you can help influence change on Ontario’s roads.