Drivers have spent weeks trying to dodge them. Now, the work begins to patch New Jersey’s tens of thousands of potholes.

The unlucky drivers who hit one could face a costly trip to the garage.

“Our most common call right now seems to be axles and wheel bearings," said Chris Winter, owner of Winter Auto Repair in Robbinsville. "That damage can cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.”

“We call it our war on potholes," said New Jersey Department of Transportation Assistant Commissioner of Operations Chris Feinthel. "In the past year, it was Morris and Middlesex counties that were the ‘winners’ with the most amount of potholes.”

Feinthel says they’ve filled 20,000 more potholes so far this year than at this point last year - a 20% increase. As the weather warms, they switch from a temporary cold patch to pouring hot asphalt.

Drivers can call 1-800-POTHOLE to report one.

"That's a real phone number, and that actually goes directly to our Central Dispatch unit at the DOT," Feinthel said.

A harsh winter means lots of patchwork ahead through May. Drivers should remember to slow down and move over to give the crews the space they need to restore New Jersey’s roadways - and save on the Toll of Commuting at the garage.