Winter is coming

There’s a chill in the air, it’s getting dark earlier, and stores are advertising holiday sales. This can only mean one thing: winter—and potentially bad weather—is coming.

Whether you’re planning a holiday road trip or just commuting to and from work, it’s never a bad idea to take stock of your vehicle and make sure it's ready for the winter ahead.

Here are five things you can do to make sure your vehicle is prepared for winter weather.

1. Make sure your headlights, fog lights, and taillights are in working order. The worse the weather, the harder it is for you to see what's around you, and for others to see you. Keeping your headlights and taillights on, even during daylight hours, is one easy way to increase your visibility. It's best to use a spotter to help you check your brake lights, but if needed you can also back up to a window or other reflective surface to check them.
2. Inspect your windshield wiper blades and windshield fluid. Wiper blades won't work properly if they are old or damaged. You can switch your wiper fluid to de-icer if you live in a colder area.
3. If necessary, switch to winter tires or keep a set of tire chains in your car. Especially if you drive over mountain passes, you may need studs or chains even if your vehicle is All Wheel- or 4-Wheel-Drive.
4. Make sure you have your winter supply kit ready. If you live in or will be traveling to an area that gets a lot of snow, keep the following items in your vehicle and easily accessible:
   • Windshield scraper
   • Snowbrush
   • Gloves
   • Traffic flares (in case you get stuck)
   • Small shovel (for digging your car out if it gets stuck)
   • Water and food
   • A blanket and/or warm clothes
5. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and defrost your vehicle before driving. It is hazardous to drive a car that is covered in snow, or when your windows are not completely defrosted. Plan for extra time in the morning or whenever you drive.

Lastly, it's important to remember that wearing your seat belt is the number one way to stay safe in a crash, in any season. Have a safe winter!