As if driving around the city wasn't hard enough, potholes are popping up all over the streets. Here's what you can do about them!

We've all been there -- You're driving along, and suddenly you dip into a pothole that you just know damaged your tires. These seasonal road hazards are everywhere right now, and it's up to all of us to report them.

How do I report a pothole?

Simply call the Mayor's Citywide Call Center by dialing 311 or complete an online service request with the D.C. government's Service Request Center. Be ready to give the location of the pothole (include the cross-street or exact address), and try to describe how deep the pothole is, or how big it looks. If there are multiple potholes in a single location, be sure to mention that, too.

A service request will be created for you, and you will receive a tracking number if you want to check up on the status. If the pothole hasn't been repaired within 72 hours, call 311 again or (202) 727-1000 and have your original tracking number ready.

Courtesy of Wikipedia

How are the potholes repaired?

In general, pothole repair is done by creating a wider, neater hole and layering adhesive with asphalt filler. Crews go back through with machinery to pound the material down and level it with the rest of the road. 

Why has a repaired pothole reappeared?

When water or melting snow gets into the cracks in the pavement and then freezes, it breaks apart asphalt surfaces. Even if a pothole was recently repaired, this process of melting and refreezing can loosen the asphalt pretty much anywhere. If enough potholes occur on a single stretch, the best thing you can do is repave the entire road!

Courtesy of AAA

For more information about the D.C. Department of Transportation and its pothole repair policies, visit their website.

Do you have a particularly bad pothole story? Tell us about it in the comments below!