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SALT LAKE CITY — The weather has changed and the temperature has dropped, and Utahns across the state need to prepare for winter.
Several experts gave tips on how to prepare for the cold, winter months in Utah. A manager for the Burt Brothers store in Bountiful, Steve Eggleston, said one major component of winter-preparation is to check vehicle tires. Eggleston said that properly maintained tires are the key to keeping drivers safe on Utah roads.
"As the weather gets colder, you're going to notice a lot of air pressure loss in your tires," Eggleston said.
Before the roads become snow-packed, Eggleston said drivers should fit their cars with snow tires because bad tires can cause dangerous driving conditions.
"It makes the car sway a lot more," Eggleston said. "It makes the car be out of control on different things."
A 2012 preliminary report from the Utah Department of Public Safety showed that speed is still the main factor in 42 percent of crashes. Eighteen Utahns died in 2012 in car accidents during inclement weather. The department doesn't specifically track mechanical failures.
However, in his 20 years on the job, Utah Highway Patrol Lt. Mike Loveland said poorly maintained tires have contributed to many car accidents.
"Everybody knows tires aren't cheap, but a good tire is worth its weigh in gold," Loveland said. "And we all know how much better a car will function with the appropriate tires."
Loveland said drivers also neglect to maintain other parts of the car that can cause crashes.
"Some people neglect to put on a fresh set of wipers and they can't see going down the road, " Loveland said. "Whether it's rain or snow."
Car experts said to start early with winter preparations for vehicles.
"Anything below 75 degrees outside, it's time to put them on, and then check your fluids, especially your anti-freeze. Look at the battery and see if there's any corrosion on the battery," Eggleston said.
Utah Highway Patrol also said that people who have poorly maintained vehicles that cause crashes could receive fines.