Pot luck: Garry Nelis with another smashed wheel. Picture: Tommy
Erin Pearson
AN OUTBREAK of potholes across the region is damaging cars and threatening the lives of motorcyclists, according to mechanics.
They say some motorists are forking out thousands of dollars to repair or replace expensive wheels as ongoing wet weather creates and deepens the holes.
Safety Motors owner Garry Nelis said he had noticed a surge in pothole-related damage to customers’ vehicles.
“This year’s the worst we’ve see in a while.
“Potholes damage the suspension and wreck the tyre and rim of cars. “Some wheels cost $700 dollars and then you have to pay for the tyre on top, so it’s a big issue for car owners.
“Car owners could spend $2000 at least on fixing a Commodore with a low-profile tyre with a rim because of the price of parts.”
Mr Nelis said his business had fixed about 15 cars with pothole damage in the past month and a half.
Mobile mechanic Bill Waters blamed the wet winter for potholes “popping up” all around the region.
He was particularly worried about motorcyclists trying to negotiate roads strewn with holes.
“If a motorcyclist hit one at 60 km/h it would be disastrous.”
Mr Waters said he had seen potholes everywhere during his regular travelling around the region.
“Because Geelong’s had dry weather before soaking rain, the water goes into cracks and pushes the asphalt out.”
Motorists have also reported damage from repairs to potholes.
Inverleigh’s Kamy Elliott, 18, said her car had suffered numerous chips from loose stones poured into potholes on the Hamilton Highway.
“There were problems before but never as bad as this, she said.
“The rain has had a massive impact and in turn made the situation worse. “My family and friends are having the same problem.
“It’s a few hundred dollars to get a windscreen replaced if you don’t have windscreen protection included in your car insurance.”
AAMI’s Mike Sopinski said the insurance company dealt with claims for pothole damage.
“Given then the fact heavier rain has been occurring over Geelong we are urging motorists to take extra care on the road and be aware that potholes may be in places they weren’t previously,” he said.
A VicRoads spokesperson said the organisation had not recorded an increase in complaints following heavy rain in the past month.
