The Worst Roads in America: Our Data Reveals Where Drivers Experience the Most Road-Related Repairs
Every driver has experienced it – that jolt when you hit a pothole you didn’t see coming, or the slow pull of your steering wheel after a season of rough winter roads.
At Pep Boys, we analyzed service data from thousands of our tire and auto service centers across the country to uncover where drivers experience higher-than-average repair activity, based on Pep Boys service data. From wheel alignments and suspension repairs to tire damage and balancing jobs, our findings reveal where in America road-related repairs can be most demanding.
Key Highlights
Based on Pep Boys service data from markets where Pep Boys operates, 30 cities and areas have been identified across the U.S. where vehicles experience higher rates of road-related repairs. The list covers a mix of big cities, small towns, and everything in between.
- 25 of the 30 markets with the highest rates of road-related repairs are east of the Mississippi River
- Florida leads with 7 repair-heavy markets
- The Rust Belt shows 9 of the 30 top repair markets
Here are some additional patterns that stick out:
Challenging Roads are Everywhere, but the Type of Repairs Varies by Region
Louisiana markets New Orleans and Baton Rouge lead the list in suspension-related repairs, patterns consistent with challenging driving conditions. Chicago stands out for higher wheel alignments and tire repairs in line with what we see in areas affected by freeze-thaw weather. And Panama City sees nearly double the national average in, which can be driven by heat, debris and coastal driving conditions.
Florida Dominates the List
With five markets, including Orlando-Daytona Beach, Tampa-St. Petersburg, West Palm Beach, Panama City, and Tallahassee, Florida drivers face a unique mix of road challenges – from extreme heat-softened asphalt to frequent storm-related road wear.
Midwest Shows Increased Wheel Alignment Repairs
Cities like Columbus and Youngstown in Ohio, and Lafayette in Indiana, rank high in wheel alignment repairs. This trend aligns with regions experiencing seasonal temperature swings and flooding impact on roads.
Tire Repairs Spike in South and Midwest
Areas like Springfield (AR-MO), Panama City (FL), and Charleston (SC) see higher than normal rates of tire repair activity often linked to road debris or uneven surfaces. This can lead to punctures and single tire replacements.
What Cities Have the Worst Roads?
- Orlando, FL
- Chicago, IL
- Panama City, FL
- Lafayette, IN
- Tampa–St. Petersburg, FL
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Nashville, TN
- New Orleans, LA
- Tallahassee, FL
- Knoxville, TN
- Youngstown, OH
- Charleston, SC
- Augusta, GA
- Evansville, IN
- Springfield, MO
- Columbus, OH
- Baton Rouge, LA
- Lafayette, LA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Mobile, AL
- Miami–Ft. Lauderdale, FL
- Dallas–Ft. Worth, TX
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Baltimore, MD
- Boston, MA
- Charlotte, NC
- Norfolk, VA
- San Francisco, CA
- Harrisburg, PA
- El Paso, TX
How Challenging Driving Conditions Can Affect Your Vehicle
To determine where drivers experience the most frequent service needs, Pep Boys analyzed internal data from five key vehicle services listed below. While this data identifies broad repair trends, the examples that follow provide general information about how different driving conditions can contribute to vehicle wear and tear.
Wheel Alignments
Challenging driving conditions, like potholes and uneven pavement, can jolt your vehicle’s suspension and steering components out of their precise alignment. These impacts can shift the angles of your wheels, potentially causing your car to pull to one side, your steering wheel to sit off-center, and your tires to wear unevenly. Over time, repeated bumps and rough surfaces can make the problem worse, leading to reduced handling, fuel efficiency issues, and decreased overall tire life.
Suspension Tuning
Over time, repeated impact from potholes, cracks, and bumps can wear out or damage components like shocks, struts, and control arms. When that happens, your vehicle can bounce excessively, handle poorly, or ride less comfortably – all signs that it may be time for suspension repairs or replacement to restore proper performance.
Tire Repairs
Potholes, debris, and rough pavement can puncture tire tread, bend wheel rims, or cause sidewall bulges and leaks. Even minor impact can weaken a tire over time, leading to slow air loss or flat tires.
Single Tire Replacements
Hitting a pothole, curb, or sharp object can cause a tire puncture, sidewall tear, or rim bend that makes a single tire unsafe to drive on. In these cases, replacing only the damaged tire is often necessary.
Wheel Balancing
Driving over potholes or uneven pavement can cause a wheel’s weight distribution to shift or even damage a rim. When that happens, the wheels are no longer balanced evenly, leading to vibrations in the steering wheel, uneven tire wear, and reduced ride comfort. Wheel balancing helps restore proper balance for a smoother ride.
Tips to Help Protect Your Vehicle from Challenging Driving Conditions
Drivers in high-risk areas – such as regions with potholes, uneven pavement, or frequent construction – can take proactive steps to help protect their vehicles from potential costly repairs. Regular maintenance is the best defense against these issues and can help ensure smooth handling in any driving environment.
Routine tire inspections are important for spotting early signs of wear, punctures, or uneven tread that may indicate alignment or suspension issues. Wheel alignments and suspension checks should also be performed periodically, as misalignment can shorten tire life and reduce fuel efficiency.
These simple but important services not only help extend a vehicle’s lifespan but also can promote safety by maintaining proper traction and stability on the road.
Pep Boys is Here to Help Keep You Moving
Pep Boys offers a complete range of tire, repair, and maintenance services designed to help keep vehicles road ready. From tire replacements and alignments to suspension repairs and road hazard protection plans, Pep Boys provides trusted service that helps keep drivers moving.
