WAUKESHA, Wis. —  Ryan Martin is enthusiastic about auto repair. As he makes his way through the garage at Marshall Auto Body, he stops to chat with coworkers and check in on the progress of repairs.

However, he can’t hide the frustration that has followed him over the last few years. Frustration related to how long it takes to get necessary auto parts. 

“You never know once you put the order in, usually we get 80% of what we need and the other 20% it’s hit or miss,” said Martin. 

It isn’t a new problem.

Martin said ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has taken longer to get auto parts in for almost all vehicles. Even with the pandemic over, the problem has lingered. During the UAW strike over the last few weeks, Martin said things have gotten even worse for obtaining parts for vehicle brands affected by the strike. 

“It has been challenging on specific makes and models to try and get certain parts of the car to finish the job completely,” said Martin. 

While sometimes it is major vehicle components, often it is something small. Martin points to one Jeep Grand Cherokee where repairs are almost complete, but where one small piece of chrome trim is missing. Martin said they are able to return the car to its owner and have them come back in once the part arrives. 

While Martin said he is glad the strike is over so that production can begin again on parts, he thinks he will deal with the impact for a while. 

“It is a step in the right direction. We hope it helps things in the future but don’t see it really happening right away, but hopefully eventually back to normal again,” said Martin. 

For now, Martin hopes parts start coming in faster, as Marshall Auto Body enters their busy season fueled in part by deer collisions and winter weather-related accidents.