Shepparton has taken an undesirable podium place in a list of Victoria’s regional flat tyre breakdown hotspots.

According to RACV data, its Emergency Roadside Assistance attended more than 8200 breakdown callouts for flat tyres in the three months including July, August and September.

Shepparton came in third on the list (with 95), behind Warrnambool (128) and Wallan (96), with the trio recording the highest numbers of regional wheel- and tyre-related breakdowns across the state and a rise in almost 20 per cent from the April to June quarter.

They are three of four, also including Wodonga, of the top 10 breakdown locations on corridors identified by Victorians as safety concerns through RACV’s 2026 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 in a media release.

“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.”

Findings from the My Country Road survey showed 71 per cent of respondents identified potholes and deteriorating road surfaces as their biggest road safety concern, up from 64 per cent in 2024.

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

If a motorist hits a pothole and their vehicle sustains more damage than a simple punctured tyre, which renders it unroadworthy, they may require towing and insurance support for further repairs.

Other locations that made the list include Ballan, Morwell, Beveridge, Kyneton, Ocean Grove, Wodonga and Rye.

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

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Sunday, 18th October 2026

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