The persistent harsh weather has made slippery roads unavoidable and has had brutal effects on vehicles. Without proper care and maintenance, vehicles could face long-term effects, which could eventually lead to safety issues, Washburne said.

“You can almost kind of imagine what the human body would be going through if we were outside going through what our cars go through,” he said.

In a previous interview with The State News, East Lansing police Capt. Jeff Murphy said quick weather changes often cause an increase in accidents.

Kinesiology seniorAbby Knoblock said she got in an accident because her car slipped on the ice, causing a collision with another vehicle.

“When I went to stop I just slid on the ice,” she said. “He slammed on his breaks and I hit mine too but my tires didn’t catch.”

Knoblock said she was left with a small crack in her bumper.

Constant freezing and thawing have also created potholes, which are an especially prevalent issue this year.

Potholes form when water seeps into cracks in the road and freezes. As more ice accumulates, it breaks the pavement apart and the crater formed continues to grow until it is filled. In the winter months, road maintenance workers often are too busy with snow removal to patch the fractured roads.

Hitting a pothole can easily cause flat tires, alignment issues and can loosen up steering components. It can do just as much structural damage to a vehicle as hitting a curb or another car, Washburne said.

East Lansing Auto Pros has had a large client base of international students who are driving for the first time, Washburne said. Many problems have arisen for them simply due to a lack of experience in driving on slick and damaged roadways.

The frigid winter temperatures have even caused issues for the Capital Area Transportation Authority.

“Extreme cold can result in air-line issues and, on occasion, presents a challenge for us to maintain interior heat,” CATA maintenance director Craig Allen said.