The poor state of some regional roads, and the sheer number of potholes, has been a hot topic of discussion among grey nomads for some time.
Travellers are always eager to highlight stretches where the issues are particularly bad, as are the various motoring organisations.
When talk turns to potholes, the state of Victoria always features prominently and the RACV has just given a glimpse into how bad the problem is there.
The organisation says RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance attended more than 8,200 flat tyre breakdowns across regional Victoria in just three months (July to September, 2026).
The roadside callout data recorded an almost 20% increase from the previous quarter (April to June), with Warrnambool, Wallan and Shepparton recording the highest numbers of regional wheel and tyre-related breakdowns.
Potholes are a problem all over the country and on urban roads, as well as regional ones.
The figures follow RACV’s 2026 My Country Road survey, which found the Princes Highway West between Colac and Camperdown was voted Victoria’s most dangerous regional road, while 71% of respondents identified potholes and deteriorating road surfaces as their biggest road safety concern … up from 64% in 2024.
Four of the top 10 breakdown locations, including Warrnambool, Wallan, Shepparton and Wodonga, are situated on road corridors identified by Victorians as safety concerns through RACV’s 2026 My Country Road survey.
The survey’s statewide ‘Top 20’ included the Northern Highway and McIvor Highway between Wallan and Bendigo (ranked #13) and the Murray Valley Highway between Wodonga and Tallangatta (ranked #9), while roads servicing the Shepparton and Warrnambool regions were also highlighted by respondents.
RACV General Manager Automotive Services, Makarla Cole, said the data provided a snapshot of where RACV most frequently attended, inspected and assessed wheel and tyre-related damage across regional Victoria.
“Wheel and tyre-related incidents accounted for almost one in six regional roadside callouts during the quarter,” she said. “Several of the locations recording the highest numbers of wheel and tyre-related breakdowns are connected to road corridors highlighted by motorists through the My Country Road survey.”
Warrnambool RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance depot manager, Steve Levett, said deteriorating road conditions were one of the most common frustrations raised by local motorists.
“RACV roadside patrol drivers are called to inspect and assess tyre and wheel damage caused by road hazards every day of the week, and motorists regularly tell us they’ve hit potholes they couldn’t safely avoid,” he said. “Many motorists are frustrated by the condition of local roads and are concerned about the potential for unexpected vehicle damage when travelling through the region.”
Common causes of wheel and tyre-related breakdowns include potholes, road debris, damaged rims, kerb strikes and sidewall damage.
RACV will use the My Country Road results to advocate for targeted investment in safer and better-maintained regional roads.
Regional Victoria’s top 10 locations for RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance wheel and tyre-related callouts from July 1 to September 30, 2026, were:
1. Warrnambool (128)
2. Wallan (96)
3. Shepparton (95)
4. Ballan (87)
5. Morwell (84)
6. Beveridge (79)
7. Kyneton (73)
8. Ocean Grove (71)
9. Wodonga (67)
10. Rye (66)
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