FLORENCE, Ky. — Snow crews have been working all day to clear roads across the state, but with temperatures falling overnight, some spots will still be very slick. One auto shop in Florence shares recommendations for tire maintenance before the next round of winter weather. 

Whether we like it or not, winter weather is here, and it comes in many forms, including rain, sleet, ice and, of course, snow. Everyone is affected, especially drivers, which is why a local car shop is staying open to make sure cars are prepared for this slippery weather.

Co-owner of NRP Tire and Auto Service, Stephanie Smith says she spends most of her day scheduling appointments to ensure her customers get everything they need. 

Smith and her husband have owned the shop for nearly 10 years, and she says through the years she’s learned one important thing.

“Maintenance on your vehicle is really the number one thing when it comes to keeping your vehicles for a very long time. And with snowstorms like we’re having right now, your tires safety is really important,” Smith said.

She stresses there are a few things you can do to prepare for snow and icy weather.

“Making sure that you have proper inflation on your tires, checking your tread depth, making sure that you have really good tires on your vehicle and checking your batteries,” Smith said.

She says some people try to save money and keep their “All Season” tires, but Smith believes changing them out for more efficient snow tires can save car owners money in the long run.

She told Spectrum News 1, “You know, oil changes are expensive, fluid changes are expensive, tires are expensive. But in the long run, it ends up costing a lot more for having to fix the things that the damage that it causes by not maintaining your vehicle.”

Smith shared an easy way to check the tread of your tire is to use a penny. Stick the penny upside down in the tread of your tires and if you still see Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.

The National Weather Service reported 116,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes on-snowy, slushy, or icy pavement.