Ten simple steps to get your auto ready for winter

If the weather outside is frightful, is your vehicle ready?

If you live in a cold-weather state, or perhaps if you are planning to travel to a colder climate this winter, the following simple steps can help you stay safe and keep your vehicle in good working order:

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1. Get an oil change. The oil used should have the right viscosity or thickness for your vehicle at this time of year. Oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if it's too thick it won't do the best job of keeping your engine lubricated. Ask your technician about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.

2. Make sure you can see ... out of your windshield, that is. When's the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if you're due. Also, fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid and check to see that your heater and defroster are working properly so you can keep the windshield nice and clear.

3. Give your battery a little TLC. This is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery's posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have a certified repair shop test it and replace it if need be.

4. Examine your belts and hoses. Have your technician check your vehicle's belts and hoses for wear and tear. Replace any that is more than three years old, even if they look fine.

5. Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you'll have the best possible traction as you drive along -- and traction is often severely jeopardized in wet, snowy or icy conditions. The air pressure in your tires has likely dropped as the weather has gotten colder, so it's important to see where things stand now. Your car's owner's manual will tell you what your target tire pressure should be. Also, think about switching to snow tires. If you live in a region that gets its fair share of snow, then you might want to improve traction even more by investing in winter tires and using them during the next few months.

6. Examine lights regularly. Short winter days mean you'll be working more in the dark. Ensure all of your lights are working correctly; inspect and clean them regularly.

7. Can you stop when you need to? Are your brakes working properly? Check your hydraulic brake fluid to make sure it's clean. Change it if it is two years or 50,000 miles old. Ensure system components and the parking brake operates freely and safely.

8. Get the antifreeze mixture just right. Aim for having a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This will prevent the mixture from freezing even at ridiculously cold temperatures.

9. Prepare an emergency kit. Store this stuff in your trunk during the winter months, especially if a road trip is in your future: a flashlight, flares, ice scraper, water, candy bar, shovel, kitty litter, blanket, fully charged cell phone, etc. Also, keep the gas tank as full as you can to prevent the gas lines from freezing.

10. Know what to do if you get stranded. Don't wander away from your car unless you're completely sure about where you are and how far away help is. Light two flares and situate them at each end of your vehicle to call attention to your plight. Put on the extra clothes and use the blanket to stay warm. If you have enough gas in the tank, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes for each hour you're waiting for help. Leave at least one window open a little bit so that snow and ice don't seal the car shut. Suck on a hard candy to prevent your mouth from getting too dry.