In the first quarter of the year (Jan.-March) since 2024, AAA Roadside Assistance has responded to more than 19,000 calls in Oklahoma for flat tires alone.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Feb. 13, 2026 – Pothole season has arrived earlier than usual this year, putting drivers at greater risk of a vehicle breakdown, the need for a tow and potentially costly repairs. A survey by AAA indicates that Americans spend billions of dollars every year to repair damages caused by potholes, with an average price tag of almost $600 per repair.
Drivers can blame the weather for their premature roadway woes, as extreme fluctuations in temperature cause potholes – case in point the recent sub-freezing temperatures followed by an unseasonable warmup.
“When extreme cold is followed by a warming trend, water in the pavement expands and contracts, leaving it cracked and vulnerable to the wear and tear of traffic,” said Shawn Steward, Public Affairs Manager for AAA Oklahoma. “This is a weather pattern we typically see in the spring, but this year, we’re already getting calls from members with tire troubles related to potholes.”
Roadside Assistance for Flat Tires
From January through March in both 2024 and 2025, AAA responded to an average of nearly 8,000 quarterly emergency roadside assistance requests for flat or damaged tires in Oklahoma. So far in 2026, AAA crews have assisted on more than 3,100 tire related calls.
Damage Beyond Tires
In addition to tire troubles, damage caused by potholes may include dented rims, damaged wheels, dislodged wheel weights, displaced struts, dislocated shock absorbers, damaged exhaust systems, misaligned steering systems and ruptured ball joints.
Are Your Tow and Pothole Damage Both Covered by Insurance?
Typically, insurance doesn’t cover a flat tire because it is considered basic wear and tear. But, if a blowout is caused by a pothole, the tow and additional damages to your vehicle may be covered, depending on your level of coverage.
“This is a costly lesson learned too late by many motorists,” said Steward. “Drivers who opt for minimum auto insurance coverage may find themselves paying a steep price when it comes to potholes.”
According to AAA, 1 in 10 drivers sustained vehicle damage significant enough to warrant a repair after hitting a pothole. AAA urges all vehicle owners to talk to their insurance advisors in advance of a pothole problem to ensure they are adequately covered, should the need arise.
Avoiding Potholes
Of course, the best way to prevent pothole damage or tire troubles that might require a tow is avoiding potholes altogether.
AAA offers the following tips for avoiding potholes and minimizing damage:
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Beware of Puddles – Puddles are often potholes in disguise.
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Look Ahead – Make a point of scanning the road ahead for potholes. An alert driver is more likely to have time to avoid a pothole.
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Increase Following Distance – This will give you additional time to avoid potholes otherwise hidden by the vehicle in front of you.
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Limit Distractions – Avoiding a pothole is much easier if you pay attention to the road ahead.
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Slow Down – Slowing down will increase the chance of avoiding a pothole, and if you can’t avoid a pothole, reduced speed will likely mean reduced damage.
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Inspect Tires – Make sure tires are properly inflated and have a healthy tread. Tires that are not road-ready are at greater risk of a blowout or flat.
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Take Care of Your Spare – Check your trunk. Many newer cars do not have spare tires or the spare is unusable, causing greater inconvenience to drivers and their passengers in the event of a flat.
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Don’t Ignore Noises/Vibrations – A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage the tire or wheel and even break suspension components. Any unusual noises after a pothole hit should be inspected immediately.
Regular vehicle care, including tire tread inspection and proper tire inflation, can help prevent the need for emergency roadside assistance. Find the nearest Oklahoma AAA Car Care or AAA Approved Auto Repair facility here.
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
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