Car Owners Paying The Price For Cold Weather

EDGEWATER, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Snow and freezing weather can be good news for auto repair shops. But for some car owners -- not so much.

As CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported, fresh potholes, carved by out by snowplow blades, are popping up in places such as River Road in Edgewater.

"I think it's cold (so) they can't get out to fix them as quickly as you think that they would," said Salvina Fredericks, of Mahwah.

Cab driver Richie Trainer said he's already had a flat tire on his taxi, but that's not what he is worried about.

"I drive a $25,000 sports car," Trainer told WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs. "I get a little concerned when I see some holes when I'm driving that, moreso than my cab."

Repair crews told Carlin they can only do quick fixes on potholes now -- long-term repairs will have to wait until it gets warmer.

Car mechanics say the top cold-related problem they're seeing now is tire trouble -- from cars hitting potholes.

The other most common types of car problems are dead batteries and frozen door handles, they said.

Mechanic Gavanny Naranjo said the deep freeze encases a handle in ice, and instead of putting hot water or oil on it, some car owners "keep playing with it until they force it and they break it."

While Tri-State area residents may be out of the woods with this week's deep freeze, it was a wake-up call for the rest of winter: Get your car service, keep trunks stocked with blankets and warm clothing and remember that a fully charged cellphone can be a lifesaver if  you're stranded during the next cold snap.

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