Johannesburg Potholes Wreak Havoc on Cars and Wallets

Johannesburg’s crumbling roads have become a costly nightmare for drivers, with potholes causing severe vehicle damage and repair bills soaring as high as R25,000.

Potholes Are Destroying Cars—And Budgets

Daniel Bezuidenhout, workshop manager at Topgear Service Centre in Randburg, says pothole-related damage is an everyday issue, particularly after heavy rain. Water-filled potholes are especially dangerous because drivers don’t see them in time.

“We handle multiple cases per week, but this number can spike depending on road conditions in specific areas,” he explains.

The most common pothole-related vehicle damages include:

• Tyres: Sudden jolts can cause punctures, bulging sidewalls, or even total shredding.
• Rims: Alloy wheels often bend or crack under impact.
• Suspension: Potholes batter shocks, struts, and control arms, leading to poor handling.
• Alignment Issues: Hard impacts cause shaky steering and uneven tyre wear.
• Underbody Damage: Exhaust systems and oil pans can scrape or crack.

The Cost of Hitting a Johannesburg Pothole

Repairs don’t come cheap. Depending on the damage, drivers can expect to pay:

• Tyre replacement: R1,000 – R6,000 per tyre
• Rim repair or replacement: R800 – R15,000 per rim
• Suspension repairs: R2,500 – R25,000
• Wheel alignment and balancing: R500 – R1,500
• Towing fees: R1,500+ if the vehicle is undrivable

According to Natashe Taylor from TiAuto Investments, no wheel is immune to pothole damage. While premium brands offer better durability, even high-quality tyres struggle against Johannesburg’s deteriorating roads.

Potholes Put Johannesburg in the Spotlight

The pothole crisis has gained national attention, with President Cyril Ramaphosa recently criticizing Johannesburg’s road conditions. With the city set to host Africa’s first G20 Summit, infrastructure problems extend beyond local frustrations—they affect South Africa’s global image.

In response, Ramaphosa launched the Presidential Johannesburg Working Group to fast-track repairs. Mayor Dada Morero welcomed the intervention, promising quicker progress.

“We’re already working to turn things around,” Morero assured residents.

However, many remain skeptical. Billions have been earmarked for road infrastructure before, yet Johannesburg’s roads continue to deteriorate.

Will Joburg Remain the ‘City of Holes’?

Despite promises, residents and businesses question whether real change is coming or if Johannesburg will remain a city where drivers must constantly dodge disaster.

As frustration grows, one thing is clear: fixing Johannesburg’s roads is no longer just about convenience—it’s an economic necessity.

{Source ENCA}

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