Anti-Freeze Check
First check your anti-freeze. The rule of thumb for when you need to change your anti-freeze is simple. If you didn’t change it last year, you need to change it now. Recommended life is two years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Oil Check
In cold weather you should try changing your oil to a thinner weight than you normally use. Freezing temperatures can make oil sluggish. And oil is the lifeblood of your engine. Make it easier on those cylinders and pistons and switch to a lighter weight oil. Any oil with a “W” in the thickness rating (i.e. 10W) should work. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended thickness for the temperatures expected in your region.

Wiper and Washer Fluid Check
If your wipers are worn, they won’t clean your windows well enough for you to see under the assault of salted-road slush heading your way. Windshield wiper blades should be capable of clearing the windshield in three swipes. If three swipes won’t clean the windshield, try cleaning the blade. If it still doesn’t work, then the blade should be replaced. Washer fluids should be filled frequently. Don’t wait until you run out of fluid. The lower the fluid level, the more likely it will freeze and be unavailable when you need it. Try keeping the defroster and heater on to keep the washer fluid from freezing in extreme cold.

Battery Check
If your battery is within a year of its life expectancy, have it tested or replaced. The colder it is, the more power you need to crank your car to a start. And the colder it gets, the more you’ll want to avoid a dead battery.

Tune Time
If you’re due for a tune-up, ‘tis the season to head to the service technician. A new set of plugs, a new distributor cap, rotor and ignition wires will make sure you’re prepared for winter weather.

Belt and Hoses Check
Keep in mind that cold temperatures tend to make rubber more brittle. To prevent a breakdown due to a broken belt or hose, make sure your belts and hoses are not cracked, frayed or worn. Any small defect can amplify the chances you’ll run into a problem as temperatures fall. Besides, being stranded because of a $10 belt isn’t good for your blood pressure.

Tire Check
Driving and stopping on ice and snow demands the most traction your tires can deliver. Even the best tires, when the treads are worn thin, can cause you to lose control on the roads. But how do you know when your tires are worn beyond safety? Put a penny in your tire tread as a gauge, with Lincoln’s face toward you and upside-down. If you’re able to see all of Honest Abe’s head, replace the tire. Keep in mind it’s best to replace your tires in sets of four. Any uneven wear should be looked at by a technician; it could be a sign that something is wrong with your suspension or alignment and is something you’ll want to have checked before driving over those mountains of snow and ice.

Exhaust Check
It’s time to take a look at the underside of your car. Check the exhaust system and floorboards for leaks or holes. This is important; with the heater going and the windows shut tight for the winter, an exhaust leak and floorboard hole could cause dangerous carbon monoxide fumes to enter the vehicle. Plus, carbon monoxide is sneaky (odorless) so you can be overcome before you ever notice you have a problem. If you find any suspicious leaks, take your car to a technician right away.

Following these simple tips can make your vehicle and you as prepared as possible for anything winter can dish out. Follow them and drive safely.