Fall in southwest Minnesota can turn into winter surprisingly fast. Mild afternoons give way to frosty mornings, shorter days, and eventually snow-covered roads around Redwood Falls.
Before colder weather settles in, fall is a good time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the months ahead.
Whether you drive around Redwood Falls every day or spend plenty of time on rural highways and county roads, here are several areas worth checking before Minnesota winter arrives.
Check Your Tires
Tires are especially important once southwest Minnesota roads begin dealing with rain, frost, snow, and ice.
As temperatures fall, tire pressure can decrease. Fall is a good time to inspect:
- Tire pressure
- Tread depth
- Uneven wear
- Sidewall cracks or damage
- Overall tire age
- Whether your tires are suitable for winter driving
If your tires are nearing replacement, taking care of them before the first significant snowfall can make winter driving much easier.
Test Your Battery
Cold temperatures can expose a weak vehicle battery quickly.
Watch for:
- Slow engine cranking
- Difficulty starting
- Dim lights
- Battery or charging-system warning lights
- A battery that is several years old
Testing your battery during fall can help reduce the chances of starting trouble on a cold Redwood Falls morning.
Inspect Your Brakes
Snow, ice, frost, and wet pavement can increase stopping distances.
Pay attention to:
- Squealing or grinding
- Vibration while braking
- Pulling to one side
- Changes in brake pedal feel
- Longer stopping distances
Fall is a sensible time to have your brakes inspected before winter conditions become routine.
Replace Worn Windshield Wipers
Clear visibility matters when driving through rain, snow, road spray, and blowing winter weather.
Replace your wipers if you notice streaking, skipping, cracked rubber, or poor windshield contact.
Also make sure your windshield washer fluid is rated for freezing temperatures.
Check Important Fluids
Before colder weather arrives, check:
- Engine oil
- Engine coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid when applicable
- Windshield washer fluid
Proper coolant protection is particularly important during Minnesota's coldest months.
Test Your Heater and Defrosters
Make sure your:
- Heater produces warm air
- Front defroster works properly
- Rear defroster operates correctly
- Blower motor works at multiple speeds
Defrosters are especially important for keeping windows clear during cold and rapidly changing weather.
Inspect Your Lights
With shorter daylight hours, check your:
- Headlights
- High beams
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Hazard lights
- Taillights
- Fog lights, if equipped
Clean dirty or cloudy lenses to help maintain good nighttime visibility.
Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit
Drivers around Redwood Falls may spend significant time on rural roads, so keeping basic winter supplies in your vehicle is worthwhile.
Consider carrying:
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Warm gloves
- Blanket
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables or portable jump pack
- Phone charger
- Small shovel
- First-aid supplies
Get Ready for Winter in Redwood Falls
Handling routine maintenance during fall can help reduce the chances of vehicle problems when temperatures drop.
Olson Chevrolet in Redwood Falls serves drivers throughout Redwood Falls and southwest Minnesota with maintenance, tire, brake, battery, and vehicle inspection services.
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