IOWA, USA — As our temperatures get down to the freezing or below freezing range, we may begin to see new potholes form.
But how exactly does a pothole form? It takes a cracked area in the road, water, cold temperatures and traffic.
When you have a crack in the road deep enough for water to reach the rock layer, it can end up causing a big problem. When it rains or if there is runoff water from a sprinkler system or fire hydrant, that water could seep down into the cracks in the road. If that water is able to freeze inside the cracks, it will expand, causing the pavement to bulge out.
Driving over it will cause that part of the pavement to weaken. Eventually the water will dissipate, leaving a hole between the pavement and rock layer. Driving over that spot will cause the pavement to cave in, creating a pothole.
The size of the pothole can depend on two things: the size of the initial crack and how long the pothole stays unrepaired. The longer a pothole isn't repaired, the easier it is for more water to get in and freeze, causing it to become even larger.
No matter what size a pothole is, they are very harmful to drive over. They can cause a tire to pop or even decrease the tire's lifespan with each time you run one over.