Mother Nature has been rough on New Jersey this season and the weekly winter storms have also starting to take its toll on our vehicles.

(Credit: StockSolutions, ThinkStock)
(Credit: StockSolutions, ThinkStock)
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AAA auto repair expert Joe Erickson says the most frequent problem showing up at garages around the state is damage from vehicles hitting potholes and even curbs.

But the largest increase has been with pothole-related suspension damage.

"Quite a few suspension damage repairs occurring," Erickson said.

Erickson says there's an old saying in auto repair about extreme temperatures showing you what's wrong with your car.

"It's a good idea to have your wipers replaced if they're streaking, but have the vehicle given a good checkover," Erickson said. "Tires are critical in this weather."

He says if you can't see where you're going, you're more inclined to hit something.

"Normally, and hopefully, when you hit a pothole, you're not going to bend anything," Erickson said. "The driver won't bend anything, it will just create an out-of-alignment situation."

He also advises drivers to get their vehicles washed when the weather clears, because all of that brine and road salt can take its toll. The chemicals can have a corrosive effect on the body and the undercarriage.

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