PHILADELPHIA, PA — Pep Boys has released its first-ever Worst Roads in America report, and Philadelphia drivers won’t be surprised to see the region land on the Top 30 list of metro areas experiencing the highest rates of road-related vehicle repairs. The findings, based on Pep Boys’ internal service data across its nationwide markets, reveal where potholes, harsh weather, debris, and ongoing construction take the biggest toll on vehicles — and household budgets.
The analysis tracks repairs commonly triggered by rough road conditions, including wheel alignments, suspension fixes, tire damage, and wheel balancing. While the report does not assess official roadway quality, it highlights where drivers are most frequently seeking repairs tied to challenging driving environments.
Philadelphia ranked in the top tier of affected metro areas, joining other Pennsylvania regions including Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. According to Pep Boys, the city’s aging infrastructure, heavy commuter traffic, and frequent freeze-thaw cycles contribute to issues such as misalignment, tire damage, and uneven suspension wear.
“Regional driving conditions influence repair trends and vehicle wear and tear,” said Scott Elliott, manager of technical training at Pep Boys. “By understanding these trends, drivers can take preventive steps to help protect their cars — and we’re here to help every mile of the way.”
Philadelphia’s Road Challenges in Focus
Local drivers are all too familiar with the region’s pothole-scarred streets, seasonal road degradation, and years-long construction projects. Pep Boys’ data indicates higher-than-average rates of alignment and tire repairs — consistent with the city’s mix of harsh winters, summer heat, and high-volume traffic.
The report highlights broader national patterns as well:
• 25 of the top 30 repair-heavy markets are east of the Mississippi River
• Florida leads the list with seven cities, many affected by heat-softened asphalt and storm-related wear
• Rust Belt cities, including Philadelphia, see increased suspension and alignment issues
• Southern and Midwestern metros experience elevated rates of tire punctures and wheel damage
Orlando Claims the No. 1 Spot
Orlando topped the national list with some of the most frequent road-related repairs, followed by Chicago, Panama City, Lafayette (IN), and Tampa–St. Petersburg. The Top 30 list also includes Baltimore, Boston, Norfolk, San Francisco, and El Paso.
Why the Roads Hit Vehicles Hard
Pep Boys’ data points to five core services most impacted by poor or inconsistent driving conditions:
• Wheel Alignments — disrupted by potholes and uneven pavement
• Suspension Repairs — caused by repeated impact and bouncing
• Tire Repairs — linked to debris, sharp objects, and crumbling roads
• Single Tire Replacements — necessary after severe impact or rim damage
• Wheel Balancing — needed when wheels shift weight after road impacts
Philadelphia’s combination of aging infrastructure and weather swings places it squarely in the category where all five repair types trend above average.
How Drivers Can Protect Their Vehicles
Pep Boys recommends extra caution for drivers in high-risk areas: maintain proper tire pressure, schedule routine alignments, and monitor for early signs of suspension wear. Regular inspections can help prevent long-term damage, particularly after hitting a pothole.
The company also emphasizes road hazard protection plans and routine maintenance as cost-saving strategies.
About the Report
The findings are based solely on Pep Boys internal service data collected from Sept. 23, 2024, through Sept. 22, 2025. The rankings reflect repair frequency relative to Pep Boys’ national averages and are not official roadway quality assessments or government evaluations.
For Philadelphia drivers who have long argued their roads are among the nation’s toughest, the data finally gives them something concrete: proof that the region’s streets aren’t just rough — they’re repair-generating.
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