Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Fix Auto Maple Grove Prepare for Deer Season

By: Fix Auto USA | 0 Shares 118 Reads

December 12, 2024 // Franchising.com // Brooklyn Park, MN – With deer season approaching in Minnesota, Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Fix Auto Maple Grove, owned by Matt Feehan, are gearing up to assist drivers who may encounter deer-related accidents. Serving the community since 1979 and becoming a Fix Auto USA franchise in 2020, the shops are no strangers to the challenges posed by this annual season. The impact of deer collisions on vehicles requires specialized attention, and Fix Auto is prepared to provide expert repairs with a focus on safety and efficiency.

Preparing for Deer Season:

Deer collisions are distinct from regular accidents due to the nature of the impact. These types of collisions often involve damage to the front end of vehicles, with some cases resulting in side or door damage if the deer bounces or is hit in an unusual way. As a result, the team at Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove are taking extra precautions when assessing repairs.

"We focus on listening to the customer's story carefully to ensure we catch any subtle damage, which can be easy to miss if you're not paying attention," said Matt Feehan, owner of Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Fix Auto Maple Grove. "Deer can hit the front, bounce to the side, or even cause damage that's not immediately obvious, so it's important to ask the right questions."

Impact of Deer Season on Business:

Deer season tends to bring an uptick in repair volumes, though it varies depending on location and seasonal patterns. For Fix Auto USA's locations in the Minneapolis suburbs, particularly around lakes and rural areas, they experience a moderate increase in business during the fall deer season (October to December), as well as a second peak in late spring and early summer (May to June). While the volume increase isn't drastic, they still see a significant number of deer-related collisions, particularly around dusk and dawn when deer are most active.

"Being located in a suburb of Minneapolis, we see many customers from incidents around lakes and rural areas, particularly during the fall and spring when deer are more active," said Matt. "While the increase isn't huge, we definitely experience our fair share."

Common Repairs During Deer Season:

The most common types of repairs during deer season at Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove include front-end damage, bumper repairs, windshield replacements, and side damage. There are also more unusual cases, such as one where a deer jumped off a bridge and went through a vehicle's windshield.

"The earlier darkness during the fall means drivers are more likely to encounter deer at the wrong time. It’s important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings," said Matt.

Specialized Equipment for Deer Damage Repairs:

Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Maple Grove use advanced tools and techniques for deer related repairs. The shops use glue tabs and paintless dent repair (PDR) technology to address soft dents and damage caused by deer collisions. This method helps avoid the need for costly and time-consuming repainting while delivering a high-quality finish.

"Our PDR process is especially useful for dealing with the soft dents that are common in deer collisions," said Matt. "It’s more cost-effective, and it helps us restore the vehicle to its original condition without having to repaint panels."

Safety Tips for Drivers:

Matt Feehan also urged drivers to stay safe during deer season, especially when traveling through rural areas or near lakes and woods. He recommends a few simple but crucial tips:

Stay aware of your surroundings: Deer are most active during dawn and dusk, so be extra cautious during those hours, especially in rural areas or around fields.
Slow down: If you’re driving in areas known for deer activity, reduce your speed, particularly at night when deer are harder to spot.
Check your headlights: Make sure your headlights are clean and in working order, as proper lighting can help you spot deer early.
Maintain your tires: Cold weather can lead to low tire pressure, which can affect your ability to stop quickly and handle turns. Regularly check tire pressure and tread.

Fix Auto Brooklyn Park and Fix Auto Maple Grove have been serving the community for 45 years, with a strong background in both collision repair and auto safety. Matt Feehan, a longtime business owner, brings a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics and safety, drawing on his extensive experience in the industry.

SOURCE Fix Auto USA

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