Icy roads keeping auto repair shops busy

It’s been several days since the last major snow storm in the Twin Cities metro. While the roads appear mostly clear, motorists are still getting caught in slick spots.

At LaMettry’s Auto Body in Maplewood, icy roads are keeping technicians extra busy.

“We’re definitely at capacity right now,” said Eli Padilla of LaMettry’s.

The shop is backed up for several weeks, but at many locations customers are looking at least a month out for service. The wait could get longer as Thursday proved to be another busy commute with black ice creeping up on unsuspecting drivers, leading to pile-ups and spinouts.

“With the low temperature and the blowing snow, it causes almost a gloss on the roadways and you can’t see it,” said Lt. Gordon Shank of the Minnesota State Patrol.

While the roads look clear, Lt. Shank says many stretches are extremely dangerous.

“I think that that’s the problem that people feel comfortable knowing that the roads look clear and keep in mind the roads aren’t always clear and that ice is there,” said Lt. Shank.