RACV has identified Warrnambool, Wallan and Shepparton as Victoria's leading regional flat tyre breakdown hotspots, following more than 8,200 roadside assistance callouts in just three months.
New RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance figures reveal wheel and tyre-related breakdowns across regional Victoria increased by almost 20 per cent between July and September 2026 compared with the previous quarter.
Warrnambool recorded the highest number of incidents with 128 callouts, followed by Wallan with 96 and Shepparton with 95.
The figures coincide with growing concerns about deteriorating regional roads, particularly potholes and damaged road surfaces.
RACV's 2026 My Country Road survey found 71 per cent of respondents identified potholes and deteriorating road surfaces as their biggest road safety concern, compared with 64 per cent in 2024.
The survey also identified the Princes Highway West between Colac and Camperdown as Victoria's most dangerous regional road, according to respondents.
RACV general manager automotive services Makarla Cole said wheel and tyre-related incidents accounted for almost one in six regional roadside assistance callouts during the quarter.
“Several of the locations recording the highest numbers of wheel and tyre-related breakdowns are connected to road corridors highlighted by motorists through the My Country Road survey,” Cole said.
Four of the top 10 breakdown locations — Warrnambool, Wallan, Shepparton and Wodonga — are connected to roads identified as safety concerns.
RACV head of public policy James Williams called for continued investment in regional road maintenance.
“Rain events in parts of Victoria during July and August highlighted the ongoing maintenance challenges facing many regional roads and reinforced the importance of timely repairs and investment in road upkeep,” Williams said.
Warrnambool RACV roadside assistance depot manager Steve Levett said motorists regularly reported damage caused by unavoidable potholes.
“Many motorists are frustrated by the condition of local roads and are concerned about the potential for unexpected vehicle damage when travelling through the region,” Levett said.
Common causes of tyre and wheel damage include potholes, road debris, damaged rims, kerb strikes and tyre sidewall damage.
RACV warned that motorists suffering more extensive damage could require towing and insurance assistance if their vehicles became unroadworthy.
The organisation will use its survey findings to advocate for targeted investment in safer, better-maintained regional roads.