News Summary
Kansas City’s recent winter storm has led to a surge in demand for auto repair services. Local mechanics are inundated with requests for repairs as residents deal with the aftermath of icy roads and heavy snowfall. Auto shops like Don Freely Auto Clinic report being fully booked and experiencing issues with vehicles, including damage from sliding into curbs and critters seeking warmth. Experts advise residents to proactively maintain their vehicles and prepare for longer wait times at repair shops.
Kansas City Auto Repair Shops See Spike in Business Following Brutal Winter Storm
Sixty miles per hour winds, icy roads, and heavy snowfall—Kansas City has just endured a winter storm that took the whole city by surprise. With Mother Nature showing no mercy, many residents found themselves grappling not only with snow shovels but also with the fallout of the harsh conditions on their vehicles. Local auto repair and body shops have noticed an overwhelming demand for their services as cars and trucks come in for repairs after the storm.
Local Auto Shops Feeling the Heat
As the dust settles from the storm, repair shops across the city are filling up fast. One particular shop, Don Freely Auto Clinic in Mission, has been fully booked until Monday. It seems that everyone is racing to get their vehicles back in shape after the winter blast left many cars with some unsightly damage.
The owner, Mike Kromer, pointed out that it’s been over 20-30 years since Kansas City has faced weather this severe. So, customers are bringing in their cars in droves, hoping to tackle all the mess winter left behind. The clinic was forced to shut its doors on Monday because of excessive snow and ice. However, it quickly bounced back on Tuesday with a flood of service requests that came pouring in.
Common Vehicle Woes
If you think your vehicle has magically come through the storm unscathed, think again. Many Kansas City drivers are reporting similar issues, including vehicles sliding into curbs, bending wheels, and damaging suspensions. And let’s not forget those annoying performance problems, like cars refusing to start altogether!
Interestingly, Kromer has another little issue to add to the list of vehicle troubles: critters! As they sought warmth during the cold spell, these pesky animals have been known to chew on vehicle wires, creating significant repair needs that can catch many car owners off guard. So, it’s not just the snowstorm’s impact that auto shops are dealing with, but nature’s little intruders as well!
Essential Winter Vehicle Tips
So, what can you do to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready? Kromer suggests that drivers check their batteries, especially if they’re around five years old. When the weather dips, batteries can experience some serious performance issues. Alongside this, maintaining proper tire tread and air pressure is crucial for safe driving on icy roads.
Moreover, wiper blades need to be checked for wear and tear, and having windshield washer solvent topped off is a must for those unexpected winter flurries while you’re behind the wheel! Another solid piece of advice is to carry emergency supplies in your vehicle. This includes things like snow shovels, battery boosters, and a good attitude when dealing with winter’s tantrums!
Collision and Body Shops on the Rise
It’s not just the auto mechanics feeling overwhelmed; collision and body shops are also seeing an uptick in clientele. The impact from the storm has left many vehicles needing some serious TLC. Given the increase in repairs, experts recommend that customers call ahead and book appointments. Wait times are expected to stretch longer than usual, and nobody wants to be left in the lurch with a damaged vehicle.
Staffing Up for Repairs
With all this increased demand, Don Freely Auto Clinic is even on the lookout for more mechanics. They recognize that to keep pace with the volume of repairs, bringing in additional help is essential. Everyone is eager to get back on the road and enjoy some winter adventures, so auto shops are doing their best to meet that need.
As Kansas City continues to recover from this punishing winter storm, residents should be proactive about vehicle maintenance and ready for potential delays at local repair shops.
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Additional Resources
- Kansas City News Article
- Wikipedia: Vehicle Maintenance
- Traffic Alert on KCTV5
- Google Search: Kansas City Auto Repair Shops
- Fox4KC News on Car Theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Automotive Repair
- Another Kansas City News Article
- Google News: Kansas City Winter Storm
