10 Tips for Getting Your Car Ready for Winter

Give the car a thorough cleaning, inside and out. Yes, it will get worse over the course of winter, but at least you can start off clean. A coat of wax may also add extra protection against salt and sand.

 Evaluate your tires. Make sure your all-seasons have enough tread to be safe. If they're getting worn, it makes sense to replace them now. If you live in an area that gets any amount of snow or ice, specialty snow tires can make an enormous difference in traction and control.

 Have your battery and brakes checked by a mechanic.

 Top off all fluids, and you may want to change to a special winter formula for your windshield wiper fluid.

 Install new windshield wipers.

 Check all lights including headlights, brakes and turn signals.

 If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, add some extra weight in the back such as bags of sand.

 Keep your fuel tank on the full side, never letting it get below one-quarter full.

 Put an ice scraper and small shovel in the trunk. An extra hat and pair of gloves are great for when the weather changes unexpectedly.

 Make an emergency package that includes high energy snacks such as granola bars or nuts, bottled water, first aid essentials, blankets, flashlights and a car charger for your cell phone.