Lexington Auto Shop Sees Surge in Pothole Damage Cases

Southside Auto Repair handling multiple vehicles with suspension and tire issues from hitting potholes.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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As weather conditions continue to change in Lexington, Kentucky, a local auto repair shop called Southside Auto Repair is seeing a rise in the number of vehicles brought in due to pothole-related damage. The shop's service advisor, Rich O'Dell, says pothole damage is an ongoing issue, with several cars currently in the shop from customers hitting potholes, especially those unfamiliar with the local roads.

Why it matters

Potholes can cause significant and often hidden damage to vehicles, including issues with suspension components, tires, and wheels. This can lead to safety concerns and costly repairs for drivers. The problem is exacerbated by unfamiliar drivers navigating Lexington's roads, highlighting the need for better road maintenance and public awareness.

The details

Rich O'Dell, a service advisor at Southside Automotive Repair, says he currently has three cars in the shop that were directly damaged by hitting potholes. He explains that the damage can be difficult to detect, with issues like bent wheels or internal tire damage that may not be immediately visible. O'Dell encourages people who have recently hit potholes to have their suspensions checked, rather than waiting for problems to worsen.

  • Southside Auto Repair has seen an increase in pothole-related damage cases as weather conditions have continued to change in Lexington.

The players

Southside Auto Repair

A full-service auto repair shop located in Lexington's Southland neighborhood that is handling multiple vehicles with pothole-related damage.

Rich O'Dell

A service advisor at Southside Automotive Repair who is seeing a rise in pothole damage cases and explaining the hidden nature of some of the issues.

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What they’re saying

“It's a constant battle. A lot of things, a lot of people hit things, they hit something, a violent pothole if you will.”

— Rich O'Dell, Service Advisor (WKYT)

“They may end up with an impact brake on the inside of the tire that they can't see. They may end up with a bent wheel, and they might think something else is causing that.”

— Rich O'Dell, Service Advisor (WKYT)

What’s next

Lexington residents can report potholes by calling 3-1-1 to help the city address the issue and prevent further vehicle damage.

The takeaway

This story highlights the ongoing challenge of potholes in Lexington, which can cause significant and often hidden damage to vehicles. It underscores the importance of proactive vehicle inspections after hitting potholes, as well as the need for improved road maintenance and public awareness to keep drivers and their cars safe.