TEXAS — The recent winter storm didn’t just cause problems for the roads; it also took a toll on cars. Now that things have finally thawed out, local auto shops are staying busy and helping drivers deal with the damage left behind from the storm.
Don’s Automotive in Austin says they’ve had a steady stream of customers this week, many needing repairs from icy road conditions and weather-related damage. Shop manager Jimmy Preston says that on top of fixing cars, they’re also reminding people to get ahead of the next storm.
“Do it now,” he said. “While it’s a nice temperature and before there’s a run on the auto parts stores.”
He says to start with the basics: check your tire pressure, replace worn wiper blades and top off fluids. But he also says drivers should think a step further.
After a storm, Preston says a car wash is about more than just looks. The salt and brine used on roads can speed up rust and even damage paint if it sits too long. So, if you drove during or after the winter weather, Preston recommends giving your car a rinse.
“You can take it by one of those do-it-yourself places,” he explains. “Just spray the undercarriage of the car to get any of the residual salt solution that might be on the car so that we don’t have any rust happening.”