It is important to get your car ready for the cold conditions of winter. Cold affects many things and makes it even more unpleasant to get stranded by a malfunctioning car; so why not head off any potential problems before they come up by doing a few simple, common sense, things to help your car get ready for these conditions.

Winterization Tips

Check your battery and electrical connections. Make sure there is no corrosion and that all cables are firmly attached to their appropriate place.

Determine the voltage of your battery, a healthy battery should register about 12 volts when tested using a voltmeter.

Make sure your alternator is working properly. Check to see if your alternator belts are in good shape and if your battery is being charged while the engine is turned on. A properly working alternator is critical to keeping your battery charged, particularly in cold weather.

Make sure that your engines coolant is OK. By this i mean make sure that it is sufficiently loaded with antifreeze for the weather conditions. Don't rely on only checking the level, determine the strength of the antifreeze using a hydrometer.

Change your oil. Making sure you have good oil is nice and light (viscous) so that you have better oil flow in cold conditions.

Check your spark plugs. Good spark plugs will help your vehicle catch easier in cold weather.

Check your wipers. Good quality wipers will help keep your windshield clean during snow/rain.

Clean and Wax your vehicle. This ensures that your vehicles body will not sustain too much damage from road salt.  Also try and keep your under body paint in good shape.

Check your tire pressure. As temperature decreases so does tire air pressure, so make sure that you adjust pressure as necessary. If you let the pressure decreases then your tires will wear out quicker and provide poorer traction.

Check your Tire tread. Make sure you have good quality tires if you expect ice or snow. Usually it is recommended to get proper winter tires.

Adjust your driving style. Slow down and get used to the conditions. Breaking distances will increase and often steering may become difficult.