We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

[ClearlyCoated]

Always thirsty Southern California. SoCal is essentially a desert that was transformed into an oasis by siphoning off the mighty Colorado River that marks our eastern border with Arizona and by damming up countless lakes into reservoirs. Our rainfall in most seasons would be considered sprinkles across most of the United States. 2 weeks ago we had a "deluge" that dropped 15-20 inches across SoCal in a single week. No big deal for many other parts of the country, but nearly 4 months worth of rain for us.

Now comes the aftermath familiar to many in SoCal. Because we receive so little rain, our roads tend to expand more and disintegrate when it does rain. Potholes are popping up all over the streets and highways in San Diego, and I'm sure this is happening all the way up through Los Angeles and Ventura County. It creates an annual spring rite for SoCal motorists: Pothole Slalom.

The surface of our roads break apart and small particles of asphalt get kicked up by vehicles, especially trucks. I have been hearing the telltale sound of tiny particles of asphalt strike my car like a mini-meteor shower while driving on the highway, especially at the interchanges. This past weekend confirmed it. As I was washing and claying my car, I came across a half dozen new chips on the nose of my hood. They're tiny, maybe anywhere from less than a millimeter to 2 mm in diameter, but very noticeable on a dark car. Looks like I'll be breaking out my Dr. ColorChip kit next Saturday.

[Andrew C.]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

Sorry to hear about that clearly. I definitely know what you are talking about. Luckily being in school at the moment, I'm not driving too much around LA so I've been able to avoid this.

[Caress Detailing]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

You've pretty much just sealed the deal for me not to move to LA. Thanks.

[dvtldav]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

We have the same problem in the snow belt when we get the spring thaw. We have what is known as "The Pothole Patrol" which is pretty much anyone that wants to call into the county or state highway dept and report potholes. So I feel your grief.

Dave

[Garage Troll]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

We have the same problem in the snow belt when we get the spring thaw. We have what is known as "The Pothole Patrol" which is pretty much anyone that wants to call into the county or state highway dept and report potholes. So I feel your grief.

Dave

Yep. Same here in PA. One of the reasons I got the paint protection film on the front of my Vue.

[eyezack87]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

Its even more painful when you drive a lowered car

[Clutch34]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

How much are you lowered?

[sdprius858]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

x2 on the lowered car but add in a cold air intake where the filter sits right between the left fog light and tire with only a thin plastic shroud between it and the wet road....can you say hydrolock?

[eyezack87]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

I'm not lowered too badly, but its still stiff as hell and puddles are problems sometimes. I dropped to remove all wheel gap. Might go lower now since I picked up a set of rims...

[Orca]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

We get the same problem, but it's the frost and ice that pull the roads apart. We in the middle of the worst winter we've had for 30 years here in the UK - the roads are shocking.

Go careful.

[paudashlake]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

I need to say..It is amazing that the roads are getting holey just after a little rain. Us peoples along lake erie suffer in the piles after piles of lake effect snow, and rain is in the forecast almost every week in the warmer months... That is a better cause for roads to dissipate. (is that the words I wanted to use...? Sure.. why not)

[Underdawg736]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

I'm sure the roads are made differently in Southern Cali and with abnormal weather you guy's had probably reeked havoc on them!

They say Pennsylvania has some of the worst road but I beg to differ. Driving in Jersey, some parts of NY, and Connecticut make our roads look like gold! I'll never forget driving in Detroit or Louisiana....I'm sure the cars shocks and wheels don't either!!

We tend to get our pot holes here after it snows, beginning of spring, and after the first two days of hot weather when the roads start to buckle....especially concrete roads!

I'd take rain over snow any day!

[dietoremain]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

this is why i drive a truck, some nasty pot holes around.. did have some fun rompin thru some puddles during them.
but yeah i understand.

[agp423]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

x2 on the lowered car but add in a cold air intake where the filter sits right between the left fog light and tire with only a thin plastic shroud between it and the wet road....can you say hydrolock?

Thirded
My car's not that low but I do know what you're saying!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: We need the rain in SoCal, but dealing with the aftermath is a pain

Have to admit, this has been a crazy winter so far. In my area of Florida, January was the coldest one in the last thirty plus years. February started off okay. But now it seems every night we have a freeze advisory for parts of our area.

just a crazy winter so far.