In addition to making sure your car is in working shape, you should also take a look at your car insurance policy. Some experts think the country is in for a rough winter, so make sure your vehicle is protected.

Now is the time for a tune-up

If you haven’t gone to the mechanic in a while, it could be time for a little preventative maintenance. This will be much easier to accomplish rather before the first snowfall.

Even if there doesn’t appear to be something wrong with your car, a mechanic may be able to catch something in it’s early stages. Paying for a simple tune-up now could be much more affordable than a major repair later on down the road.

Ask your mechanic to check all the different fluids in your car as well. These range from the oil to the windshield wiper fluid. Once temperatures drop below freezing, you will want the proper mix of antifreeze with certain fluids. Without this, some systems in the engine and other parts of the car could freeze, resulting in serious damage.

Kick the tires     

Some people say the most important pay of any car is the tires, and in winter weather they may be right. To improve your traction, have your tires examined a rotated if need be.

Driving on worn out tires can be dangerous in the winter, as it won’t give you the grip you need. Most tires nowadays come with special treads that appear once a tire it past its prime. A quick inspection on you own could uncover that you may need a new set of tires.

Also, inspect your spare tire. Even though this may have gone unused for some time, lower temperatures could make it brittle and unsafe to drive on. The last thing you want in a flat tire in the dead of winter and no replacement.

Be prepared for the worst

If you live in a rural area or regularly travel to this setting, you may want to pack a few extra supplies in your car in case you ever break down.

Being stranded on the side of the road is a very different story in colder weather. To prevent a disaster, pack a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, snow chains, energy bars and extra cellphone charger in your car. You never know when these items might come in handy.