Car insurance is a year-round necessity, but when the snow starts flying across the plains of South Dakota, having the right coverage—and preparing your vehicle—becomes paramount. Reduced visibility, sudden black ice, and heavy snowfall certainly raise the risk of accidents.
At Bechtel Insurance, we believe the personal touch extends beyond finding you the right policy. It means making sure you’re prepared for the elements and safer on the road. After all, if you break down or have a fender-bender, we want you to be back on your feet quickly!
Here’s our guide to preparing your vehicle for winter weather driving, minimizing the risk of a breakdown, and protecting your precious cargo.
Your Winter Vehicle Checklist
Test Your Battery
Winter weather is notoriously tough on car batteries. A dead battery is an annoyance in July, but it can be dangerous when you’re stuck somewhere cold and desolate near Sioux Falls.
We recommend having your battery tested at the start of winter to ensure it holds a charge. Most batteries should read between 12.4 to 12.9 volts. A quick check can prevent you from being left out in the cold—literally!
Check Tire Treads
Your tires are your primary defense against slippery roads. You need adequate tread depth to maintain traction on ice and snow.
- The Penny Test: Insert a penny into the deepest groove of your tread, with Abraham Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the very top of his head, your tread is likely less than 2/32″ deep and needs replacement.
- Also, inspect your tires for any cracks, bulges, or cuts on the sidewalls. These are red flags that could lead to a blowout.
Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
For every 10°F drop in temperature, your tires can lose about 1 PSI of pressure. Driving on under-inflated tires is dangerous, reducing handling and responsiveness when you need it most.
Consult the sticker on your driver’s side door jamb for your vehicle’s recommended pressure (often 32 to 35 PSI for passenger vehicles). Check and adjust your pressure regularly as temperatures fluctuate.
Know Your Snow Tire Rules
Many drivers choose to switch to specialized winter tires for better performance. These tires feature softer rubber compounds and deep siping (small cuts) for superior traction in icy conditions. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake (TPMS) symbol.
If you choose studded snow tires, it’s crucial to know the law: In South Dakota, you are permitted to use studded tires from October 1st through April 30th.
Don’t Forget Your Lights
With shorter daylight hours and frequent blizzard conditions that reduce visibility, your ability to see—and be seen—is critical.
- Replace any blown-out headlights or taillights immediately.
- If your plastic headlight covers look foggy or yellowed, use a restoration kit to brighten them up. Better illumination is a huge safety factor in a dark, snowy night.
Flush and Refill Antifreeze
Antifreeze (coolant) keeps the water in your engine from freezing and causing severe damage to your engine block. This is a simple maintenance task that your mechanic can easily take care of before the first deep freeze hits. Don’t skip it—it’s crucial for protecting your engine’s internal health.
Keep Your Gas Tank Full
This tip is twofold:
- Prevents Freezing: A fuller tank leaves less room for condensation to build up, which could freeze in your fuel lines or pump.
- Emergency Heat: If you get stuck in traffic or stranded during a storm, a full tank means you can safely idle your vehicle to stay warm until help arrives.
The Bechtel Difference: Protecting What You Can’t Predict
Even with the best preparations, accidents still happen. That’s where we come in.
While a blog post can remind you to check your tires, only the right Auto Insurance policy can give you peace of mind that a collision or weather-related damage won’t ruin you financially. We offer:
- Truly Comprehensive Coverage: Protecting against theft, hail, flying debris, and collisions.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage: Protecting you when another driver doesn’t share your foresight.
- Family Discounts: Ask about discounts when you insure multiple vehicles.
Ready to make sure your coverage is as prepared as your vehicle? Give us a call today! Dave and Heather are standing by at our familiar 12th Street location to discuss your unique needs and tailor the ideal policy for you and your family.