Here are some tips on preparing your car for winter:

Check your tires. Visually inspect both the sidewall and tread of all tires, looking for cracking in the rubber, uneven wear, and the depth of the tread. A good rule of thumb is to use a penny to measure the depth of the tread. If you insert an upside-down penny into multiple grooves and you can see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head in any grooves, then your tires need to be replaced. Also check the tire pressure. Changes in temperature will make the air pressure change, and a tire that was OK yesterday can suddenly be low.

Check your wipers and washer fluid. Cold weather can make wipers that were just OK suddenly perform very poorly. Test your wipers with the washer fluid. They should clear the windshield in 1–3 wipes. Open the hood and fill the washer fluid tank. Do not mix your own washer fluid from household products and water because washer fluid is specially formulated for use in cold weather and to work with the rubber on your wipers.

Check your defroster. During the summer months, the defroster vents are infrequently used and they may have become stuck. With the vehicle running, turn your defroster on warm. Check for temperature and air flow on both the left and the right. Do you have an ice scraper? It’s best to check the contents of your trunk before the snow comes. Do you have a good ice scraper? (Were you thinking last year, “I should really replace this thing?”) Do you have an extra pair of gloves or a sweatshirt in the back of the car, in case of a breakdown?

Weak battery signs. Colder weather will expose any weakness in a car battery and turn it into failure. Most car batteries need to be replaced every 3–5 years. Thinking about the last few weeks, have there been any signs that your battery is getting weak? Some telltale signs are that the engine starts slowly; you hear a clicking sound before or instead of the engine starting; the headlights are dim; there’s white powdery corrosion on battery terminals; you need a jump to start the car.

Check coolant level. Despite its name, engine coolant has an important role in operating your car in cold weather also. Check the coolant reserve tank, and look for the “min” and “max” markings on the side of the tank. If you’re unsure about any of these topics, your car care professional can help you inspect them and replace them if necessary.