Snow does not disappoint Kansas City area auto body repair shops

LENEXA, Kan. - Crystal CARSTAR in Lenexa is swamped and will be for weeks after Thursday morning’s winter storm.

Rain, followed by freezing temperatures and snow offered a slew of new customers. Unfortunately, the sources of that new business are people without cars who were unlucky on the ice and snow covered roads.

"A snow storm, you go through a lot of bumpers, a lot of suspension, wheels, tires from curb hits," explained Brian Dean of Crystal CARSTAR.

Dean said a typical snow storm offers his business a 40 percent bump in sales. Thursday’s storm didn’t disappoint. In fact, the extra work is welcomed the week before Christmas during a recession.

"Everybody needs to keep their jobs!" said Dean.

Job security means car specialists pray for hail in the summer and ice in the winter. As long as everyone has insurance and it’s only the automobile that gets hurt, they are thankful on days like Thursday.

"Luckily, with the ice lying down first, it got pretty busy this morning," he added.

Re-freezing overnight could lead to more dangerous conditions during Friday’s rush hour.