Some motorists might insist that pothole season is year-round, but the transition from winter to spring is likely the worst.

With that in mind, AAA is issuing a safety alert urging drivers to be on the watch. “Potholes can damage your vehicle’s tires, alignment, suspension and shocks,” said Adrienne Woodland, spokesperson for AAA — The Auto Club Group.

According to a AAA survey, 50% of Michigan drivers consider potholes to be a major problem. Only 7% believe they’re not a problem at all.

To avoid damage, AAA recommends checking your tires, which includes tread depth, tire pressure, suspension and alignment:

— Tread depth: Insert a quarter coin into the tread groove with Washington’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, start shopping for new tires.

— Tire pressure: Check this at least once a month using a quality gauge. Do so before driving when tires have been at rest and are not hot. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door.

— Suspension and alignment: Look for changes in vehicle handling, excessive vibration or uneven wearing of tires, all indications of a problem with the suspension like alignment or shocks. If your vehicle pulls to the left or right, have the wheel alignment checked by a trusted mechanic.

On the road, remember to:

— Scan the road ahead for potholes and, if safe to do so, drive around any in your path.

— Increase your following distance so you can see potholes as they appear from under vehicles ahead of you.

— Avoid driving through standing water when possible. Standing water or puddles may disguise a deep pothole. If you cannot avoid the area, drive through slowly and treat it as though there may be a pothole hiding beneath the water.

— If you cannot avoid hitting a pothole, safely reduce your speed and avoid braking abruptly, particularly as you go over the pothole. Striking a pothole at higher speeds increases the chance of severe damage including knocking the wheels out of alignment, affecting the steering, and bending or even breaking suspension components.

If you hit a pothole, pay attention to any new or unusual noises or vibrations. If you detect something is off with your vehicle, take it to a trusted repair facility for a full vehicle inspection as soon as possible.

Whether you hit a pothole or you missed it, you can save your fellow motorists the headache and costs of repairs by reporting it. If the pothole is on a city street or county road, report it to your city public works department or county road commission.

If the pothole is on a state trunkline — an I, M or U.S. route — report it via the Michigan Department of Transportation’s online form at https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/travel/commuters/potholes or call the pothole hotline at 888-296-4546.