In some parts of the U.S., the erratic weather that arrives with late winter and early spring is known as "mud season" as fluctuating temperatures can create a mucky mess. The thawing of previously frozen terrain also causes headaches for drivers who discover that cold-weather moisture has created dangerous craters and crevices in the road. Attempting to navigate such "potholes" can result in big problems as they damage vehicle steering, suspension and alignment, State Farm says. Although pothole damage is covered by most vehicle collision policies, the expense may not exceed a policyholder's deductible, which means repair costs would have to be paid out-of-pocket. Drivers in the U.S. spend about $3 million a year fixing vehicle damage caused by potholes, according to AAA and QuoteWizard. To avoid the hassle and expense of pothole damage, State Farm suggests drivers take the steps outlined in the slideshow above to minimize the chances that their car, truck or motorcycle gets punched by a pothole. See also:

• The 10 most hazardous roads in the U.S.
• U.S. cities with the most pothole complaints
• 6 tips to protect your vehicle from winter's potholes