TDOT repairs potholes on I-40 after snow; How much damage could they do to cars?

JACKSON, Tenn. — Tire shops across West Tennessee are preparing to see more customers after days of wintry weather causes potholes.

“The potholes are going to be pretty abundant after this. In fact, we have already seen quite a bit of it actually,” Chris King said.

King is is the manager of King Tire Company in Jackson. He says when the snow melts, a big problem is created.

“Whenever the snow trucks begin to scrape the roads, those older, filled potholes begin to develop because of the snow and ice,” King said.

The Tennessee Department of Transportation temporarily shut down lanes Friday between mile markers 79 and 82. They were fixing potholes on both east and west bound lanes.

The snow and ice isn’t even gone and already, King Tire is seeing more customers.

“It can be up 50 to 60 percent. People traveling through the interstate and the construction going on. We have seen it double in the past couple of weeks,” King said.

Experts say it can be quite costly.

“A wheel repair can end up costing between $90 to $125, where a wheel replacement can cost $200 to $400 depending on the vehicle that you drive,” King said.

Experts say there are some things you need to have in your trunk before you hit the road.

“You want to make sure of course your spare tire has air in it and it’s accessible. Also a lot of times just knowing how to change a tire is very important,” King advised.