Taking care of your car during these frigid winter months is a must in being able to drive safely. Tasks such as replacing windshield wipers and having a full tank of gas are easy to incorporate as routine maintenance and upkeep.

Tires: Check your tire’s air pressure – cold air lowers air pressure causing uneven tread wear, uses more gas, and makes your drive less than optimal. Switching out your seasonal tires for winter tires is also recommended as snow tires offer better traction. Check with your vehicle manufacturer for detailed suggestions.

Battery: Remember to check on your battery throughout the year. Batteries can get dirty causing a less than stable connection. A simple mixture of baking soda, water, and elbow grease will clean it right up. Batteries lose power as it gets colder so getting it tested or replaced will simply ease the mind when the cold weather hits.

Fluids: Be sure to top-off any fluids such as windshield wiper, oil, and anti-freeze. Remember that anti-freeze should be a 50/50 mixture with water/coolant. If used at 100%, the coolant can freeze and damage the engine block.

Lights: Make sure brake, head lamps, and turn signal lights are all in working order. Replace bulbs as necessary.

Oil & filters: Being up to date on your oil changes and filters will keep your vehicle running smoothly. Please use your vehicles factory suggestions as the gauge to when you need to change/replace.

Brakes: Any squeaking, squealing, or any other noises coming from your brakes, deserves to be checked out. Tires are an integral part of not sliding around on snowy and icy roadways.

Again, these are just a few suggestions to help get your vehicle ready for the current or future cold weather. The above list is by no means comprehensive. Be safe on the roads and be prepared all season long with just a few simple tasks and checks!