Don't get stranded out in the cold this winter. Follow these steps to winter car prep from the NASCAR Performance Network. Credit: Courtesy

Before first cold snap, get serviced for winter

Have you had your car serviced for winter?

What are the most critical needs? Oil change? Antifreeze? Tires? Windshield wipers, washer fluid antifreeze? All of the above?

It's all in your owner's manual, of course, but somehow those books are not always where they ought to be.

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Not to worry. The technicians of the NASCAR Performance Network (NPN) -- a nationwide organization of repair shops and parts stores dedicated to automotive excellence -- offer these valuable tips and reminders of services that deserve attention before the first cold snap.

The battery

A potential weak point in cold weather is the battery, whose power decreases as the temperature drops. Add to this the fact that summer heat is hard on a battery and you have even more potential for starting trouble. Also, be sure that connections are tight and free of corrosion.

Tires

Did you know that your tires may be seriously under-inflated if they had not been checked and inflated since late summer when the temperature still was pushing 90 degrees? Inflated to the proper 36 psi at that time could mean that now, with single digit temperatures, they're down to about 26 psi or less. Typically, tire pressure decreases 1 or 2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature drop.

Under-inflation leads to excessive tire wear and wasted gas. And the experts at NPN emphasize that you cannot determine proper inflation by looking at the tires. It takes an accurate tire gauge. If you haven't done this recently, have the vehicle hoisted on a lift for a close inspection for tread wear and cuts or other damage. A tire worn to the "wear bars" on the tread pattern is unsafe, prone to hydroplaning (loss of contact with the road) on wet surface.

While you're thinking about it, take a look at the spare. Out of sight on most vehicles, the spare tire is out of mind. Check or have it checked when your car is in for service.

Driveability/Control

When you get behind the wheel and start driving, your car becomes an extension of your body: your foot on the brake pedal and accelerator, your hands on the steering wheel. You're in charge unless, of course, something goes wrong. Frequently an accident occurs because of a combination of mechanical malfunctions. Shock absorbers that do their job by helping maintain control can make the difference between a near miss and tragedy. A responsive engine and transmission can make the difference when a driver miscalculates the time and distance needed to pass when an oncoming vehicle is getting too close for comfort.

Braking awareness

When applying the brakes in an emergency causes do you, subconsciously, use the steering wheel to correct for your car's tendency to pull to one direction or another? You may have a problem developing. The pull could be due to one tire being under-inflated, a steering or alignment condition, a faulty wheel bearing or it could be a braking system defect.

Sometimes this is a combination of several of the above. Whatever the problem, have a qualified professional check it out and take remedial measures. This is a basic premise of the Be Car Care Aware campaign: being aware of the need for preventive maintenance.

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	WINDSHIELD TIPS The windshield is a critical component of a car's safety system and needs extra special attention during winter months.  •   Complete story, click here

Vision and Visibility

Can you see and be seen? Winter driving is more dangerous for several reasons, not the least of which is that the sun sets earlier. NHTSA reports that the overall nighttime crash rate is approximately 1.6 times that of the daytime rate, while the fatal crash rate is three to four times greater at night. Factoring out alcohol-related crashes, the nighttime fatal crash rate still is nearly twice that of daytime. Although other human issues, such as fatigue, may account for some of the increased risk, visibility (or lack thereof) also contributes to nighttime crashes.

Properly functioning lights, combined with good windshield wipers and washers, can make winter driving at night less strenuous and much safer. A periodic check of turn signals and brake lights can help avoid an encounter with a law enforcement officer or, more seriously, another vehicle.

Cosmetics and more

If your car is not vulnerable to the elements, such as UVS rays from the sun, acid rain or birds and bugs, its enemy could be road salt. Like it or not, road salt does prevent accidents and, while blamed for damage to trees and wildlife, salt remains the most effective way to cut the hazards of ice and snow.

Keeping up the appearance of your vehicle is a challenge in areas where roads are salted. To prevent winter damage, wash it every 10 days whenever the temperature is 40 degrees or more above. It should be done early enough in the day that it can be completely dry before the temperature drops below freezing.

Try to wash your car as soon as possible after a snow or rain, as precipitation collects contaminants that form acid rain which can damage the car's protective finish. Any paint chips that are larger than the tip of a pen should be taken care of immediately. Until you can do the repair properly with a color matching touch-up kit, put a dab of clear nail polish on the spot to protect bare metal from corrosive attack.

Rule of thumb: Wax your car at least every six months, especially in the fall in preparation for winter weather. Wax protects paint and trim from corrosive salt.