American drivers face rising maintenance costs as road damage and winter weather take a toll, according to new Mavis Tire data. Tire repairs are climbing nationwide, with the Northeast showing the highest frequency of Mavis Tire flat repairs per location. Freeze-thaw cycles, aging infrastructure, and seasonal road damage all play major roles in this costly trend.
Mavis Tire Data: Northeast Drivers See Highest Flat Repairs Rate
Mavis reports that shops in the Northeast handle 60% more flat tire repairs per location than those in the South and West. Flat repairs now account for more than 10% of all service visits in the region. That’s the highest ratio in the country.
While Mavis Tire locations in the South and West also report a 7.5% year-over-year increase in flat repairs, the Northeast remains the most affected.
“Our data indicates that the harsh winters, characterized by potholes, road salt, debris, and cracked pavement, are taking a severe toll on tires in the Northeast,” said Dan Krauss, VP of Inbound Sales Development and Conversion at Mavis. “It’s a clear reflection of the toll that harsh winter weather and seasonal road damage can take on drivers.”
Mavis Tire flat repairs data align with national road condition data. Consumer Affairs lists several Northeast states among the worst for road quality, and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2025 infrastructure report card notes that 39% of major U.S. roads are in poor or mediocre condition. ASCE estimates drivers spend $130 billion each year on extra repairs and operating costs due to deteriorating roads.
The surge in flat repairs also affects consumer behavior. Many drivers now choose flat patch repairs instead of full tire replacements to manage expenses. According to Mavis Tire, this approach helps drivers address damage quickly and avoid unsafe conditions or higher repair bills.
Winter Damage Keeps Pothole Season Alive
The 2024 Mavis service data highlights key insights:
- Northeast shops manage about 1.6 times the flat tire repair volume of the South and West;
- Flat repairs represent more than 10% of all service visits in the region;
- Severe road conditions remain the leading cause of these repairs.
