Winter in Minnesota is also peak auto body repair season. Our lovely winters bring snow and ice to the roadways, which leads to more accidents. We've also got a new problem this year. I bet you can guess it.

Yep, supply chain issues. They seem to be everywhere, and sometimes places you don't even think of. Auto body repair shops are reporting difficulties in getting parts and materials to fix your dinged-up car.

WDIO did a story last night about how some auto body shops are having issues, not only with the supply chain but also with staffing. They interviewed Arrowhead Auto Body in Duluth, and they pointed out that cars have much more technology now. Computer chip shortages are needed for modules in cars. Cars now have radar parts for radar cruise control that are in short supply. They even said that they had a customer's car that had to wait five months for a module.

broken black car on road in winter; crash accident; crumpled hood
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Fox Business also explains that a major part of the delay is because some auto body repair shops rely on getting parts from dealerships. We all know how difficult the supply chain has been for new cars from dealerships. The parts are also an issue.

Catalytic converters are also hard to find. There's been an uptick in catalytic converter thefts in the last few years. Sometimes auto body shops have to wait months to get a replacement. That leaves people unable to use their cars.

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So what can you do to best protect your vehicle?

Make sure you have good tires and tread. Especially in our Minnesota winters. Snow tires or good all-season tires are always worth the investment. Don't drive in bad weather if you don't have to. Give yourself more space between you and the car in front of you in winter driving conditions.

It's also a good idea to make sure you keep up with your routine maintenance. Don't put off necessary repairs. A small problem can become a big problem.

Also, avoid these Twin Ports roads this winter if you can.

Twin Ports Roads To Avoid In The Winter

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