As most South Dakotans know, winter driving can cause serious problems for motorists. There are seemingly endless hazards that drivers must not only be aware of but also be prepared for at any given moment.

Driving in the snow in South Dakota is largely unavoidable, but there are some things you can do to help prepare your vehicle for the colder temperatures.

Here are three ways you can winterize your vehicle for safer driving during the winter months:

#1 – Take your car to the shop to be serviced for winter conditions.

Before the harsh winter weather arrives, it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look at your vehicle. Be sure the technician checks the following:

• Battery
  • When the temperatures drop, your battery’s power does too. More power is needed to start the engine in the winter. It’s best to install a battery at or above 600 CCA for ideal winter performance.
• Cooling System
  • Your car’s antifreeze to water ratio should be between 50/50 and 70/30.
• Brakes
  • Cold weather doesn’t actually harm your brakes, but a thorough inspection can help provide the best performance when driving in winter weather.
• Belts, hoses, spark plugs, wires, and cables
  • These components can go bad anytime, but you could be stranded in the cold for quite some time if they go out during the winter.

#2 – Switch over to winter tires.

As one of the snowiest regions in the country, it’s wise to utilize snow tires for your vehicle during the winter months in South Dakota. All-terrain tires may also be adequate, but they won’t offer the best performance if you are driving in bad weather.

#3 – Make sure your tires are adequately inflated.

Check the pressure in your tires regularly during the winter. When ambient temperatures change by 10°, it could mean a gain or loss of one PSI.