HUNDREDS of potholes gouged in south-west roads during the unusually wet recent winter rains gave motorists a whack, but have been a bonus like an early Christmas for retailers replacing damaged rims and low-profile tyres.
Unfortunately, drivers have to cop the bills because VicRoads and councils have refused to pay compensation.
A survey of several dealers yesterday revealed a litany of cases where pothole damage cost motorists hundreds of dollars.
In Mortlake a BMW driver came into a local dealer after slamming into large potholes and left with a bill of about $1400 to replace one of the car's special alloy wheels and run-flat tyre.
A NSW tourist who smashed rims and tyres on the Great Ocean Road called at Beaurepaires in Warrnambool for replacements and one local customer of Lindsay Cottee's tyre service had to get replacements twice in two days after copping a battering on district roads.
"It's like an early Christmas for dealers," said veteran tyre retailer Mr Cottee.
"We've had at least one a week for the past 18 months.
"We had two this week and it's only Tuesday.
"They come from as far as Hawkesdale and Timboon.
"The main reason is that modern tyres are lower and have less flex so when the car hits a pothole the rims usually hit the bottom and are damaged.
"Some performance tyres can cost between $300 and $400."
Caramut-based teacher Linda Grills told The Standard yesterday she was left with a $1407 bill after hitting a large pothole on the Hopkins Highway near Mortlake while on her way to work at Derrinallum College.
Two rims and tyres on her Holden stationwagon were badly damaged and the vehicle had to have its front-end alignment readjusted.
"I hit the pothole at about 90km/h. I don't know how I didn't flip the car," she said.
"After the repairs I sent the bill to VicRoads seeking compensation and received a reply this week saying they would not be liable and a suggested I seek legal advice."
Moyne Shire chief executive Brett Stonestreet said the council likewise would not be admitting liability and paying compensation to motorists.
"If we received calls for compensation we would be forwarding them to our insurers," he said.
"The roads network is subject to the elements
"Anecdotal evidence suggests this has been the wettest winter for 10 to 15 years.
"Our maintenance crews are trying to repair our roads as quickly as possible."
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