(NAPSI)—Now is a good time to ready your vehicle in preparation for rough weather conditions ahead.

“Vehicle service is always more convenient when you do it on your own schedule. An investment of an hour or so to have your vehicle checked will help make sure it can weather the storm when arctic temperatures strike again,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Because preventative maintenance helps avoid the hassle and cost of an emergency breakdown, the Car Care Council recommends the following steps:

• Check the battery and charging system for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
• Check the antifreeze. As a general rule of thumb, clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system every two years.
• Check that heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
• Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem where you plan on driving, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
• Check the oil and filter and be diligent about changing them at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to “winter weight” oil if you drive in cold places. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
• Check engine performance. Winter magnifies existing problems such as hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling.
• Check the brakes. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
• Check the exhaust system for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
• Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and headlights are properly aimed.

During winter, drivers should keep their vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Motorists should also check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snow brush, jumper cables, flashlight, blanket, extra clothes, bottled water, dry food snacks and any needed medication.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers.

Learn More

For the latest car care news, visit the council’s online media room at http://media.carcare.org. To order a free copy of the popular “Car Care Guide,” visit the council’s consumer education website at www.carcare.org.