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Winter Storm Fuels Surge in Towing and Auto Body Demand

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -fuels-surge-in-towing-and-auto-body-demand.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 18:31 GMT by WDBJ
      Locales: Virginia, UNITED STATES

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. - January 28, 2026 - A significant winter storm earlier this week has left local businesses in Roanoke County grappling with an unprecedented surge in demand, particularly within the towing and auto body repair sectors. While residents dig out from the snow and ice, companies like Jenkins Towing and Miller's Auto Body are working around the clock to address the fallout, demonstrating the considerable economic impact that severe weather can have on a community.

Mark Jenkins, owner of Jenkins Towing, described the situation as "non-stop." His team has handled approximately three times the usual volume of calls, responding to a flood of stranded motorists and vehicles incapacitated by the hazardous road conditions. The storm's immediate aftermath saw a dramatic increase in incidents ranging from simple disablements to vehicles leaving the roadway entirely and becoming stuck in snowdrifts.

"We were getting calls for everything," Jenkins explained. "Disabled vehicles were the most common, but we also had numerous reports of cars running off the road, especially on the more rural stretches. And, of course, a lot of folks just got plain stuck. It was a challenging few days, and honestly, we're still catching up."

The strain isn't limited to towing services. Auto body shops are experiencing a parallel spike in repair requests, with appointment books filled for weeks in advance. Sarah Miller, manager of Miller's Auto Body, stated they are currently "booked solid for the next couple of weeks, minimum."

"We've extended our hours and are trying to accommodate as many customers as possible, but it's a real struggle," Miller said. "The level of damage varies - some vehicles have minor scrapes and dents, while others require more extensive repairs to frames and suspensions. The sheer volume is the biggest hurdle."

The current situation highlights a trend observed following similar winter events nationwide: a temporary but significant boom for the collision repair and roadside assistance industries. This surge isn't solely due to the immediate damage caused by the storm. Increased traffic congestion following the snowfall, coupled with drivers' reduced winter driving experience, contribute to a higher incidence of minor accidents.

Industry analysts predict that this pattern will likely become more pronounced in the coming years, driven by factors like climate change and increasingly volatile weather patterns. While predicting the exact frequency and severity of winter storms remains challenging, the consensus is that communities should expect more extreme weather events, and businesses must prepare for the associated impacts.

Beyond the immediate economic effect on towing and auto body businesses, the situation underscores the broader importance of winter preparedness. Local emergency management agencies consistently advise residents to ensure their vehicles are properly winterized, including checking tire tread, battery condition, and fluid levels. Stocking emergency kits with essential supplies like blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food is also strongly encouraged. These preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of becoming stranded and minimize the strain on emergency services during severe weather events.

Looking ahead, the long-term implications of this increased demand are also being considered. Some auto body shops are evaluating options to expand their capacity, potentially by hiring additional technicians or investing in new equipment. Towing companies are exploring ways to optimize their dispatch systems and ensure adequate staffing levels during peak periods. These investments, however, require careful planning and are subject to economic constraints.

Ultimately, the recent winter storm serves as a stark reminder of the interconnectedness between weather events, economic activity, and community resilience. While the immediate focus remains on clearing the backlog of repairs and assisting stranded motorists, the lessons learned from this experience will be crucial in preparing for future challenges.