Winter weather is causing more potholes on the roads, which is causing some drivers to pay major repair bills.

Elizabeth Kieffer says driving on some area of the Sunrise Highway Service Road can be like driving on an obstacle course.

The Bay Shore native says she knew serious damage was done to her car on there around two months ago. Her car was left with a cracked rim and a bad tire after hitting a pothole.

"It's been this way for a long time, it's not a new thing," Kieffer says. "So that's really what's most distressing."

The repairs cost her more than $500.

The Department of Transportation is only liable for damages that happen during warmer months between May 1 and Nov. 15.

A Department of Transportation spokesperson wrote, "The reason the timeframe is because the law reflects that when we are in snow and ice season, our resources may be diverted to storm response."

He also says permanent repairs cannot be made in the winter because asphalt plants are closed.

Northport mechanic Joseph Sabia says he has noticed an uptick in cars damaged by potholes. He think that he'll keep making costly repairs unless repairs are made to the roads.

"You're looking at $5, $600 easy, plus the tires and the rims," Sabia says. "You're looking at over a $1,000 bill."

Kieffer says the Department of Transportation needs to fix the roads and help people with the cost until they do.

A bill is Albany is seeking to make the Department of Transportation pay for damage done to cars for all parts of the year.

It is still being reviewed by the State Senate Transportation Committee.