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1Don't put off a 30,000-mile full service, if your car is due.
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2Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant.
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3Replace the windshield wiper blades. Put windshield washer fluid in the windshield washer reservoir (plain water will freeze).
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4Have the battery serviced (clean the battery terminal ends and add water) and load-tested to check its ability to hold a charge. If the battery is more than 4 1/2 years old, replace it.
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5Use a tire gauge to check the tire pressure. Air contracts with cold, and the tires may become low as the temperature drops.
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6Make sure there is air in the spare tire and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the trunk.
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7Make sure the tires are in good condition. If you are not sure what this means, ask a mechanic (in a shop that doesn't sell tires) for an opinion.
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8Check the lights, heater and defroster.
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9Keep the gas tank as full as possible to prevent moisture from freezing in the gas lines.
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10Get a brake check if you haven't had one in the last six months.
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11Put together an emergency winter kit for the trunk of your car: blanket, extra boots and gloves, ice scraper, small snow shovel, flashlight and kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow).