Cleveland's Pothole Problem Is Getting Worse
Every spring, Cleveland roads fall apart. The freeze-thaw cycle that runs from January through March destroys pavement. Euclid Avenue, St. Clair, MLK Boulevard, Chester Avenue, and practically every I-90 and I-77 entrance ramp develop craters that can swallow a tire. The city fills them, rain opens them back up, and the cycle continues. In 2026, the combination of a harsh winter and deferred road maintenance means pothole season started early and is hitting hard.
Tire Damage: Bulges and Blowouts
The most common pothole damage is a sidewall bulge. When your tire hits a pothole at speed, the impact pinches the sidewall between the wheel rim and the pothole edge. This can break the internal cords that give the sidewall its structure. A bulge forms — a bubble on the side of the tire. This tire is unsafe and cannot be repaired. It can blow out at highway speed with no warning. If you see a bulge after hitting a pothole, do not drive on it. Come to Nick's or call for help. A replacement tire (used or new) costs far less than a blowout on I-90.
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Wheel Damage: Bends and Cracks
Aluminum alloy wheels are lighter and look better than steel, but they are more vulnerable to pothole damage. A hard hit can bend the lip of the wheel, causing an air leak and vibration. Worse hits can crack the wheel — a cracked wheel is unsafe and must be replaced immediately. Steel wheels are more forgiving — they bend rather than crack. Minor bends can be repaired for $75 to $150. At Nick's, we check for wheel damage during every tire service and will spot a pothole-bent wheel immediately.
Alignment Damage
A severe pothole impact can knock your wheels out of alignment. Signs include the steering wheel being off-center, the vehicle pulling to one side, or rapid tire wear on one edge. Alignment issues from potholes are common and should be checked anytime you hit something hard. Ignoring it means your tires wear unevenly and you will be buying new tires sooner. Alignment at Nick's costs $80 to $100 and saves you hundreds in premature tire wear.
Suspension Damage: Struts, Ball Joints, Tie Rods
Big pothole hits can damage suspension components — ball joints, tie rod ends, control arm bushings, and struts. Symptoms include new clunking sounds over bumps, loose or wandering steering, and uneven tire wear. These components are safety-critical — a failed ball joint can cause the wheel to fold under the vehicle. If your car feels different after a big pothole hit, get the suspension inspected.
Free Pothole Damage Inspection at Nick's
Hit a bad one? Bring your vehicle to Nick's Tire & Auto for a free pothole damage inspection. We check tires, wheels, alignment indicators, and suspension components. If everything is fine, you leave with peace of mind. If something needs attention, we catch it before it turns into a bigger problem. Walk in any day or call (216) 862-0005.
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