Potholes are bowl-shaped openings in the road that are typically caused by natural erosion of the street surface.
Though they vary in size and depth, some potholes can be up to 10 inches deep.
Most roads have a layer of asphalt that protects your car from the concrete that lies beneath but when a pothole occurs, that concrete is exposed leading to damaging consequences for your vehicle and personal safety.
City and state agencies are responsible for maintaining the roads and ensuring the safety of all motorists who ride on them.
When they maintenance of the road is neglected and potholes are formed, those government agencies may be responsible for any damage caused to you or your vehicle.
How to Respond The following steps should be taken if you notice a pothole in the road and would like to report it:

• Give the operator the exact location of the road defect, or as close as you can possibly describe.
  
• Describe the pothole's length, width and depth.
  
• Report if there was water in the hole or not.
  
• Ask the operator if the hole is on a bus route or railway tracks.
  If so, it needs to be blocked off immediately before it causes further damage.
  

Potholes can put a serious strain on your car's shocks and suspension system.
It can also cause damage to your car's undercarriage or wheels, which will need to be repaired by a mechanic.
At its worst, potholes can cause impact to your car similar to that of an accident at 35 miles-per-hour.