7 Cities Where Your Car Will Likely Need Repairs

Driving around any city can do damage to cars — however, some cities downright pummel cars into needing repairs on a frequent basis. USA Today reported on states that are the safest for driving and where the riskiest drivers are. GOBankingRates wanted to go a step further and examine the specific cities — some within those states, some elsewhere — that wreak havoc on cars.

Several automotive experts shared the seven cities where your car will likely need repairs and why these areas are so hazardous for your car’s health .

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New York, New York

“New York City is known for its crowded streets, potholes and lots of stop-and-go traffic,” shared Blake Shaw, an automotive expert, enthusiast and blog writer at All About Wheels Blog .

“The combination of dense traffic, numerous potholes and harsh winters leads to frequent brake replacements, suspension and alignment work and rust prevention treatments,” added Emil Sultanov, the founder of Long Term Car .

Los Angeles, California

Harsh weather, long commutes and a lot of traffic in Los Angeles can be hard on cars, according to Shaw.

“Overheating engines, problems with transmissions from shifting gears too often and faster wear on brakes and tires are all common,” said Shaw.

“Heavy stop-and-go traffic and high temperatures cause overheating issues, AC system repairs and brake pad replacements,” echoed Sultanov.

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Chicago, Illinois

“There is a lot of traffic in Chicago, and the weather can be very harsh, with cold winters and hot summers,” said Shaw. “Salt and ice can cause rust and corrosion, as well as alignment and suspension issues. Extreme temperatures can also shorten the life of batteries and damage tire integrity.”

Shawn Miller, senior writer at Modified Rides , added that Windy City streets may not be in the best condition. “Like N.Y.C., Chicago’s roads suffer from freeze-thaw cycles, causing potholes.”

Houston, Texas

“Houston’s hot, humid weather and wide roads all make it easier for cars to get worn down,” said Shaw. “Engine cooling system failures, air conditioning problems and tire wear from driving on the highway for long periods happen a lot.”

Miller agreed that the extreme summer heat can lead to overheating and tire blowouts. Additionally, he said, “Houston’s frequent heavy rains and flooding can damage engines and electrical systems.”

Detroit, Michigan

Much like in Chicago, Shaw emphasized that winters in Detroit are harsh, with snow and ice that makes driving difficult.

“A lot of people have problems with rust and corrosion from road salt, suspension and alignment issues from potholes and battery issues from cold weather,” said Shaw.

San Francisco, California

This city’s steep hills and coastal weather put extra strain on cars. “Hilly terrain, frequent traffic congestion and sea salt from the ocean cause brake wear, transmission issues and rust treatments,” Sultanov stated.

“Problems like rust from salty sea air, transmission strain and brake wear from driving up and down hills are common,” agreed Shaw.

Atlanta, Georgia

“Atlanta’s heavy traffic, warm weather, potholes and sudden climate changes can make driving difficult,” remarked Shaw. “Engines that get too hot, air conditioning problems and brake and tire wear from stop-and-go traffic are all common.”

The mix of humidity and cold spells can also damage batteries and other parts, according to Shaw.

Why Are These Cities Hard on Cars?

“These cities are especially hard on cars because of the way they are built and how busy the roads are,” summarized Shaw. “Extreme weather, a lot of stop-and-go traffic and bad road conditions can make it more important to fix and maintain your car.”

Sultanov added, “Heavy traffic, especially in urban environments, leads to frequent stopping and starting, which puts extra stress on brakes, transmissions and engines.” He said road quality and environmental factors all play a part in putting wear and tear on cars in these cities.

Shaw cautioned that anyone who drives in these cities should be ready for “…their suspension, brakes and engine cooling systems to require frequent repairs. These rough driving conditions can cause a lot of damage, but regular maintenance and care can help reduce some of it.”

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 7 Cities Where Your Car Will Likely Need Repairs