ON THE RADAR
A Smoother Ride with CAA Worst Roads
Bad roads can damage your car. Find out why and learn how the CAA Worst Roads campaign can help.
By Waheeda Harris
PHOTO: KREIDE68/ADOBE STOCK
POTHOLES, DEBRIS, CONSTRUCTION, cracked pavement — these all contribute to poor roads, making them hazardous to both drivers and their vehicles. In a recent survey of CAA Members, 96 percent of respondents expressed concern for the current state of our roads. A rough drive and the sound of damaged road surfaces underneath your tires can be concerning, and the actual damage to your car can be costly. Here’s what those poor roads are doing to your vehicle.
DEBRIS, LOOSE GRAVEL AND EXCESSIVE SALT
Driving with that rough layer between your tires and the pavement can be dangerous. It reduces traction, can cause skidding and creates problematic driving conditions. It can also damage the car’s paint finish and pit or crack the windshield.
POTHOLES
After winter’s freezing temperatures, roads in springtime are often in disrepair, with cracks and craters that are no friend to your vehicle’s suspension, alignment, tires and wheel rims. At slower speeds, a pothole can dent a rim or warp a tire; at higher speeds, it can cause a tire blowout. If your car’s frame rides low, potholes can also damage critical components on the underside of your car, such as the oil pan, axle or muffler.
UNEVEN SURFACES
Ruts and uneven road surfaces may not seem significant — until you hit that transition point at a significant speed. The rough road can make your tires pull to one side, making it challenging to steer. Long-term, the constant vibrations and pulling can affect wear and tear, from causing alignment issues to advanced tire wear.
“Still, many roads remain in need of repair, and CAA will continue advocating for increased transportation infrastructure funding and prioritization of road-safety improvements across the province.”
So, what can you do? Help get those roads fixed. Nominate them in CAA’s Worst Roads annual campaign. Since 2012, this campaign has influenced change and led to repaving and repair work completed on many of those roads nominated. In Manitoba, Brandon’s 18th Street was undeniably in need of urgent repair when it was crowned the “worst road” in the 2024 campaign. Thanks to the significant participation, Manitobans from across the province nominated roads in their communities, and with our advocacy efforts, the provincial government responded quickly and committed to fixing the roads on our 2024 top 10 Worst Roads list. This included the immediate repair of 18th Street. Still, many roads remain in need of repair, and CAA will continue advocating for increased transportation infrastructure funding and prioritization of road-safety improvements across the province.