Preparing You and Your Car for Winter - Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand Forks

As the Valley braces for several inches snow and blustery conditions, the Highway Patrols in North Dakota and Minnesota have issued a warning for drivers to slow down on the roads and adjust to conditions.

There are a couple reminders to make sure you and your car are prepared for the winter. Before hitting the road, check your tire pressure, you should usually have about 35 PSI in each tire.

Fargo Tire Sales Manager Mike Dow says, "Always remember to check your tires. When they're cold, when you haven't driven in the morning or if you've driven under ten miles because obviously if you've driven awhile, they're hotter, and the air expands and your pressures are going to be wrong."

You may also want to look at getting snow tires. If not, now is a good time to have a brand new set of regular ones put on. Having a full tread on the tires will make sure they have traction in the ice and snow.

You will also want to make sure you have windshield wipers that are working properly, you have plenty of antifreeze and plenty of washer fluid.

Once you have your car ready to go, the most important part comes when you get behind the wheel.

It is important to pay attention to road conditions. The speed limit is just that, a limit. You do not have to drive that fast.

Sgt. Jesse Grabow of the Minnesota State Patrol says, "Just slow down. Drive according to the conditions and pay attention."

Using cruise control is convenient, but in the winter, it could be dangerous, so be sure to turn it off.

"Sometimes even though the rest of the roads might be okay when things are starting to freeze up, bridges are a little more susceptible to being icy," says Grabow.

The most helpful advice is plan for a little extra time on the road. It may take you a little while longer to get to work or school, but you will get there safely.