It’s been a bumpy ride this pothole season

It’s the most dreaded time of the year — and it’s coming early this winter.

After near-record rainfall and freezing temps in January, pothole season is starting ahead of schedule this year as road craters pop up throughout the region.

While the Boston-area has seen little snow so far this winter, the area has faced a combo of heavy rain and below-freezing temps — which are perfect conditions for creating potholes.

Boston measured 7.64 inches of precipitation in January, which was the fourth wettest January in the station’s recorded history, according to the National Weather Service. Worcester saw 8.18 inches, the third wettest January in city history.

As a result of the deluge of rain and cold temps, drivers could see more potholes earlier than usual. So what can drivers do to avoid tire and wheel damage from potholes?

“The absolutely most important way to battle against potholes is to properly inflate tires,” said Mary Maguire, VP of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Northeast.

When an underinflated tire is compressed on the far edge of a pothole, it has little to no resistance — resulting in tire damage in the form of a bubble or blowout. The low-profile tires and lighter wheels on sporty vehicles are especially prone to being damaged.

Tires and wheels damaged by a pothole can result in repair bills that hit hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and steering and suspension issues can also cause problems.

Many drivers rarely or never check their tire pressure, and a NHTSA study from the early 2000s found that more than a quarter of cars had at least one tire that was significantly underinflated. The proper inflation pressure for tires can be found on a yellow sticker on the driver-side door jamb, or in the owner’s manual.

Another AAA safety tip to avoid pothole damage is for motorists to focus on their driving technique.

Drivers should keep plenty of space between their car and the vehicle in front of them, and diligently scan the road — especially at night and during rainstorms — to see potholes and react to them, according to AAA.

“Avoiding the hole is preferred, but traffic conditions often prevent swerving, so slowing down as much as possible is recommended to minimize the power of the impact with a hole,” AAA advises. “Releasing the brakes just before contact will help to lessen any damage that a locked-up wheel causes.”