Local auto-shops get busy following snowstorms - kwwl.com

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa (KWWL) - Iowans have gotten used to driving in the snow following snowstorms, but sometimes it may take you by surprise. Accidents are expected, and auto-shop owners stand by to take calls from customers needing repairs.

Iowa State Patrol responded to 4 personal injury crashes, 32 property damage crashes, and assisted 78 motorists between 6am and 2pm following Monday's snowstorm. Roads were snow, slush, and ice covered the majority of the day.

Odell Collision Center in Cedar Falls opened 6 months ago, just in time for winter. The owner says he has had 25 vehicles come in this season solely because of snow related incidents.

"It usually takes a couple days to kind of see the aftermath of it but overall weather like this tends to give you a little bit of a spike," owner Ben Odell said.

With every snowstorm, business takes off for auto-shops all over town. Front and rear end crashes, causing damage to bumpers, are common reasons vehicles are brought into shops during the winter. That's because of all of the skidding that comes with cars driving on slick roads.

When a car takes on some damage, it can take a while for it to be repaired. Insurance approvals, ordering parts, and scheduling an appointment can take weeks.

Any type of damage on a car can be pretty costly. Staying off of roads that are in bad conditions, or even staying home can help you save money.

"Some stuff gets a little bit more expensive than others. I mean, some of these tail lights on these newer model vehicles, I've seen tail lights go $900 plus, $1,000 plus on some of these lights," Odell said.

The street isn't the only place snow sticks to either. Snow covered traffic lights, street names, and street signs can also lead to dangerous situations.

"I guess the biggest thing is just taking it slow and making sure you're driving appropriately for the weather," he said.

Odell says this winter season there were less accidents when comparing it to previous years because businesses were still closed, or slowly reopening. This made for fewer people driving on the roads.