Don’t Risk It: Car Prep Tips for South Dakota Winters

Our vehicle is one of the most important things we own. Whether it's a for-door grocery-getter, a pick-up truck, or a 'look at me' sports car, it is our way to work, home, and basically everything else. Especially in the cold of a South Dakota winter.

As we head into fall, now is the perfect time to take a minute and make sure our wheeled lifelines are ready for the cold and snow.

RELATED: When Does Sioux Falls Usually Get its First Snow?

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Essential Car Maintenance Before the First Snow Falls

Having a sort of winter safety kit in your car is an important part of preparing for winter in South Dakota. But, even more important is making sure your car itself is ready.

Check Your Heating and Defrost Systems

First things first, take the time to make sure all the things that you haven't used all summer work. Does the heater blow hot air? Do the front and back defrost work? Do all the windows roll up? Do all the lights work?

Getting these things fixed in October is a lot better than finding out at 6:00 AM on a December morning.

Replace Wipers and Washer Fluid

Now would be a good time to change the wipers on your car. A long, hot summer had probably worn the blades down. Plus, it's a good opportunity to install more winterized blades.

Also, check your windshield washer fluid, and consider changing it to one designed for ice and cold.

It's not just snow that you'll need to sweep off the windshield. The slop of melted snow, mud, and ice-melt on the streets this season will be kicked up onto your windshield.

Oil and Stuff

Right around now is a great time to get that oil change you've been meaning to get done. Before the cold and snow put extra stress on your engine, give it a good clean-out and fresh fluids. Might even consider new fuel, air, and transmission filters.

This may also be the time to clean, flush, and put new antifreeze in your vehicle.

YouTube Flashback: Sioux Falls TV News Coverage of the Blizzard of ’97

Don’t Forget Tires and Brakes

Are you rollin' on bald tires? I speak from experience when I say that good tires make the biggest difference when driving in snowy conditions. Check the tread depth on all five. Yep, five, don't forget the spare. Make sure they are aired up too.

And, if your breaks are screaching at you, always best to get that taken care of now.

Check Your Battery Before It’s Too Late

The part of your car most likely to fail in a South Dakota winter is the battery. The cold air can sap the life out of your car battery, leaving you stranded at home, if you're lucky, or in a dark parking lot at the end of the day, if you're not.

Is your battery in good condition? Does the vehicle start well? Are all the parts that work with the battery (alternator, starter) functioning?

Make sure you have a set of jumper cables in your car, too. Oh! and make sure they still work. That's a life lesson I learned at a truck stop at 2:00 AM on a cold December morning.

Flashback: The Halloween Blizzard of 1991

Build a Winter Emergency Kit

Speaking of jumper cables, before the snow flies is also the time to find your car's other essential winter tools: an ice scraper and snow-brush. When I moved to South Dakota, I thought I was too cool for a snow-brush. Cleaning eight inches of snow off your car is waaaaaaay easier with a brush than with your hands.

Once the car itself is tuned-up and ready to fight the arctic chill, then double-check or assemble an emergency car kit. Along with jumper cables, it's a good idea to keep a flashlight, a blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, and nonperishable food in your car, just in case.