The arrival of spring following Canada’s harsh winters tends to produce the same predicament across the country, but Moose Javians might feel singled out this April as some notoriously grim road conditions begin to be addressed.
That’s why Panda Tire & Auto are inviting Moose Jaw residents to submit photos and locations of the gnarliest potholes in the city.
“It’s pothole season everywhere, of course, and our city is no exception,” said Curtis Moggey, who owns Panda with his wife Rosemarie. “We’ve decided to put on a pothole contest, not to poke fun at the City of Moose Jaw or anything, just to have a friendly competition and have people send in their worst pothole picture.
“They have a chance to win a Monroe shock absorber stool, which is kind of a cool-looking, unique stool, perfect for the rec room or garage.”
Contest submissions must be made on the Panda Tire & Auto website at pandaautoservice.ca/moose-jaw-worst-pothole-contest.
To be considered for the prize, participants must be at least 18 and submit their name, email, and phone number along with the location of the pothole and a photo.
The contest is open until April 30.
Moggey said he and his team are beginning to deal with the aftermath of vehicles hitting potholes. Alignments, new tires and rims, suspension damage, and more will force drivers to turn to their local repair shop.
“It’s impossible to avoid potholes altogether, but there’s a few things you can do to minimize damage,” Moggey added. “Keep your tires properly inflated, that will help absorb some of the shock of hitting a pothole. An under-inflated tire can result in damage to sidewall or rim, as well.
“Beware of puddles, of course, they could be hiding deep holes. If you have to hit a pothole, slow down. High speeds can cause significantly more damage to your vehicle’s suspension or your tires. But, remember to release the brake at the last moment, because when you’re braking the weight of the vehicle shifts to the front, making the car heavier in the front and potentially causing more damage.”
Moggey said one contest entry so far was just a Google Maps screenshot of the city — with the whole of Moose Jaw circled. Another submitted photo is from a treacherous stretch of Coteau St. There are so many potholes in the picture it’s impossible to tell which one is largest.
“There’s some pretty rough areas out there, for sure,” he concluded. “You’ve got to be careful.”
