RACV reveals Victoria's regional flat tyre breakdown hotspots

RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance attended more than 8,200 flat tyre breakdowns across regional Victoria in just three months (July to September 2026), as new FY2027 quarterly data reveals the state’s top 10 breakdown hotspots. 

The roadside callout data recorded an almost 20 per cent increase from the previous quarter (April to June), with Warrnambool, Wallan and Shepparton recording the highest numbers of regional wheel and tyre-related breakdowns.

The figures follow RACV's 2026 My Country Road survey, which found the Princes Highway West between Colac and Camperdown was voted Victoria's most dangerous regional road, while 71 per cent of respondents identified potholes and deteriorating road surfaces as their biggest road safety concern, up from 64 per cent in 2024. 

Four of the top 10 breakdown locations, including Warrnambool, Wallan, Shepparton and Wodonga, are situated on road corridors identified by Victorians as safety concerns through RACV's 2026 My Country Road survey.

The survey's statewide ‘Top 20’ included the Northern Highway and McIvor Highway between Wallan and Bendigo (ranked #13) and the Murray Valley Highway between Wodonga and Tallangatta (ranked #9), while roads servicing the Shepparton and Warrnambool regions were also highlighted by respondents.

RACV General Manager Automotive Services Makarla Cole said the data provided a snapshot of where RACV most frequently attended, inspected and assessed wheel and tyre-related damage across regional Victoria. 

“Wheel and tyre-related incidents accounted for almost one in six regional roadside callouts during the quarter," Ms Cole said.

"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."

RACV Head of Public Policy James Williams said the findings reinforced the importance of 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," Mr Williams said.

"Regional roads connect communities, support local economies and keep freight moving across the state.

"Victorians have consistently told us they want better-maintained roads, and it's important investment keeps pace with the needs of growing regional communities."

Warrnambool RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance depot manager Steve Levett said deteriorating road conditions were one of the most common frustrations raised by local motorists.

"RACV roadside patrol drivers are called to inspect and assess tyre and wheel damage caused by road hazards every day of the week, and motorists regularly tell us they've hit potholes they couldn't safely avoid," Mr Levett said.

"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."

Common causes of wheel and tyre-related breakdowns include potholes, road debris, damaged rims, kerb strikes and sidewall damage. 

Should a motorist hit a pothole and their vehicle sustains damage beyond a punctured tyre that renders it unroadworthy, they may require towing and would need to contact their insurer regarding assistance and any further repairs.

RACV will use the My Country Road results to advocate for targeted investment in safer and better-maintained regional roads.

Top 10 regional flat tyre breakdown locations

FY2027 Q1 data reveals regional Victoria's top 10 locations for RACV Emergency Roadside Assistance wheel and tyre-related callouts from 1 July to 30 September 2026:

1. Warrnambool (128)
2. Wallan (96)
3. Shepparton (95)
4. Ballan (87)
5. Morwell (84)
6. Beveridge (79)
7. Kyneton (73)
8. Ocean Grove (71)
9. Wodonga (67)
10. Rye (66)