Cold Weather Hangover: Body Shops Still Busy
Accidents have piled up this month due to slippery conditions and frigid temperatures. At Modern Auto Body Repair in Brooklyn Park, the recent cold snap made for a crowded parking lot.
Modern Auto Owner Mike Hendren said sub-zero temperatures and slick roads are the cause of some of these damages.
“We see a lot of rear ends and front-end damage,” said Hendren. “People slide into each other.”
Hendren said many time drivers can avoid accidents simply by taking care of their car.
“Every year during the winter, you can definitely tell when tires have been neglected. We see a lot of cars with no tread or barely any tread,” said Hendren.
Aside from balding tires, the auto body shop also sees old batteries.
JPT Auto Services Owner Zach Schwartz said batteries seem to be a big problem.
JPT Auto Services in Brooklyn Park.
“Our vendor was running short,” said Schwartz. “They’ve got enough to keep us supplied. The one we carry on the shelf is gone, so we’re ordering them per vehicle.”
The frigid temps also affect coolant and power steering leaks. Schwartz recommends getting a good pre-winter check over, which JPT services. He also suggests doing a Summer check over too.
Even with all the maintenance and car technologies, technicians say you can never be too careful.
“People just need to slow down, know the road conditions, know where you’re going. Get there at some point, just take your time,” said Hendren.
