HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – With winter just over a month away, now is the time to make sure vehicles are prepared for the cold and snow.

AAA advises check tire tread and inflation levelsbecause tires typically lose one PSI for every 10 degree drop in temperature. Drivers can find the recommended tire pressure for their vehicle on a label located inside the driver’s side door.

Todd Tharp of Pat’s Auto in Hastings pointed out that well-maintained tires can save lives in icy and snowy conditions.

“A lot of people don’t realize that if there’s something wrong with their front end, their tires will wear weird and a lot of people will have bald tires on the inside and a lot of tread on the inside. ‘outside,’ Tharp said. . “You never think to look, so at that point it’s a danger even when it’s dry.”

Tharp also suggested getting your car battery checked before temperatures drop.

“Cold nights destroy the battery pretty hard,” Tharp said. “If you’re running errands, you can go somewhere and get stuck. It doesn’t hurt to come check out the charging system.

In addition to routine checks of washer fluid and oil, Tharp recommended inspecting other essential fluids.

“Power steering fluid, people don’t think about it either, it gets harder to turn in the winter when it’s cold, so you have to make sure it’s at an appropriate level,” Tharp said. “Make sure your brake fluid is good, again you don’t want to lose your brakes, especially when it’s icy, you want to make sure you have good, reliable brakes.”

For a complete checklist on preparing your vehicle for winter, Click here.

Click here to subscribe to our daily KSNB Local4 roundup and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your email inbox.

Copyright 2024 KSNB. All rights reserved.