Winter is often the worst time to drive in southeastern Pennsylvania, as a cycle of freezing and thawing causes pavement in some places to crumble into scattered potholes.

A recent news release from AAA Mid-Atlantic (attached to this article) outlines the dangers of potholes as well as tips for avoiding or mitigating the damage they cause.

A few excerpts:

• The tire is the most important cushion between a car and a pothole. Make sure tires have enough tread and are properly inflated.
• Make certain struts and shock absorbers are in good condition. Changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven tire wear can indicate bad shocks or struts.
• Use care when driving through puddles and treat them as though they may be hiding potholes.
• A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. Any new or unusual noises or vibrations that appear after hitting a pothole should be inspected immediately by a certified technician.

How to report potholes to authorities that can fix them depends on who owns the road.

• In Philadelphia, drivers can call 311 or 215-686-5560, or visit the city's pothole webpage.
• Outside of Philadelphia, PennDOT takes pothole reports at 800-FIX-ROAD (800-349-7623).
• PennDOT's Chester County maintenance office can be reached at (484)340-3200. The county's Planning Commission recommends calling that number, or the municipality in question, to report a pothole.
• The Delaware County Public Works department can be reached at 610-891-4668.
• The Montgomery County department of Roads and Bridges can be called at 610-278-3613 during weekday hours or 610-275-1222 after hours. There is also an online feedback form.

Where have you seen particularly nasty potholes in our area? Please tell us in the comments section below.