It is officially pothole season, and News 12 found crews in Mount Vernon Wednesday filling in more than a dozen craters on First Street.

The city's Department of Public Works says potholes are residents' No. 1 complaint following the brutal winter.

Just last week, the department patched more than 1,000 potholes.

“We are out here on a daily basis trying to correct the situation. We are fully aware of it, and we are working diligently to repair it for the public," says Mount Vernon DPW Supervisor Joseph Caretta.

To avoid damaging your car, experts recommend maintaining a safe distance between your vehicle and the car in front of you.

They also say to make sure tires are properly inflated and try to slow down so you have time to avoid hitting potholes.

MORE: 7 tips for avoiding car damage during 'pothole season'