So far in South Dakota we've enjoyed a relatively warm and snow-free winter. But as the clouds start to roll in Tri-State Tire in Rapid City has some quick tips on getting your car outfitted for the safest driving experience in the colder conditions.

     They say proper winter maintenance starts from the ground up, by making sure you have the right tire for the season. Tri-State Tire owner Cory Brown says, "Generally a tire that's made for all season will have more little cuts in it, the wipes from side to side that gives you your biting edges. So if you have a tire that's not really made for this climate, it's a good idea to get a set of winter tires."

     The next step is to make sure your wiper blades are up to par, old wiper blades can leave streaks making it even harder to see in whiteout conditions. Brown says, "That's probably one of the biggest things is traction in your tires and your visibility when you're driving, because if you have poor wiper blades, you won't know where to go, you'll run into somebody."

     And to avoid the frustration of a cold car that won't start on a cold morning Brown says drivers should have their batteries tested and checked to make sure it's properly rated for winter conditions. Brown says, "You could have a couple things on the battery that have regular cranking amps for when it's warm out. They also have what's called cold-cranking amps when it's below 32 degrees and your battery's power lowers when it's cold. It doesn't have enough juice to turn your car over. So you have to know if you're battery's been tested and it's going to crank over for you when it's 10 degrees out."

     Tri-State says for those less mechanically inclined most mechanics should offer a pre-winter inspection at a reasonable fee. It's a small price to pay to ensure you'll be able to stay on the road, and stay as safe as possible when the snow starts to fly.

Brendyn Medina