Winter weather is inevitable, but Butler County residents can travel prepared this winter.

Rick Fennel Rustproofing office manager Leah Felmlee said drivers can take steps to stay safe and protect their vehicles before the onset of winter weather, which is expected to be particularly fierce this year.

This winter is slated to be colder than usual in the Pittsburgh region, with above-average snowfall hitting heaviest in late December and early January, according to the 2025-26 Old Farmer’s Almanacs.

Icy roads and less-than-ideal driving conditions tend to follow winter weather, with over 150,000 vehicle crashes occurring due to ice each year, according to the Federal Highway Administration.

Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 17% of vehicle crashes occur in snowy conditions.

These statistics may inspire county residents to prepare their vehicles for winter ahead of time. Car care can make driving not only easier, but safer, too, Felmlee said.

Undercoating is the best way to protect a vehicle from “salt, brine and everything out on the roads,” Felmlee said, and it can be applied at home.

She recommended spraying any parts of a car that could rust.

“(Rustproofing) protects the look and mechanical usage of the vehicle,” Felmlee said. “Vehicles are a large investment, and you want it to last a long time. If it rusts out, you’re going to be replacing parts.”

When water reacts with metal, rust will form, even in normal road conditions, according to Rick Fennel Rustproofing, which is located on Freeport Road. The process is accelerated by anti-ice road chemicals that act as a catalyst, according to the business.

The business sells its own soft undercoating spray in auto body shops around the county, according to Felmlee, and it is also available online.

Marc Iarrapino Jr., of Iarrapino’s Muffler & Brake Shop in Butler, advised residents to check their tires, batteries and brakes. This includes checking the tread depth, looking for nails or bulges, and making sure they are properly inflated.

Tires with low tread, improper inflation or other concerns can be dangerous in wet or snowy conditions, he said.

Allstate Insurance also promotes the importance of this on its website.

“Winter tires have a soft rubber compound that remains flexible as temperatures drop to better conform to the road for more controlled handling,” the website said.

It claims the 25% to 50% more traction in winter tires helps avoid hydroplaning and getting stuck, and it cuts through water and slush.

Winter tires also accommodate the drop in tire pressure that occurs in cold weather, the Allstate report found. The website recommended regularly checking and maintaining air pressure during colder months.

Allstate also suggested using two instead of four winter tires for consistent grip.

Antifreeze helps regulate an engine’s temperature, according to Valvoline’s website, and also prevents corrosion.

Using a chemical base, antifreeze can lower the freezing point and raise the boiling point of the engine, Valvoline said. This means a vehicle is less likely to break down due to extreme cold.

The liquid should be replaced before summer’s heat and winter’s frost, according to Valvoline’s website.

Whether it is rustproofing, installing new tires, adding antifreeze or other precautions, readying a vehicle for winter will only help its owner, Felmlee said.

“Take care of your vehicle,” she said. “Keep it clean and keep it protected.”

This way, owners can try their best to beat the cold and snow expected later this year.