When the winter weather set in, we all rushed to our closets to pull out our winter boots, gloves, hats, shovels and more. But we shouldn't forget to get our vehicles equipped for the harsh weather as well.

It's important to get your vehicle properly maintained so that it will be ready when you are, to face the rough winter months ahead. You may not know it, but cold temperatures tend to accelerate maintenance problems. Just imagine how much more difficult it will be to have to handle these problems while stuck outside somewhere in the cold.

Start preparing your vehicle by checking the following top winter maintenance items. Keep in mind that, while you can do some of these winter weather vehicle preparations yourself, others require the skills of your dealer's service staff.

ENGINE PERFORMANCE - Be sure to get problems - such as hard starts, rough idling, stalling and diminished power - corrected. It is also a good idea to put a bottle of fuel de-icer in your tank once a month in the winter to help keep moisture from freezing in the fuel line. Keeping your gas tank filled will also help prevent moisture from forming.

BATTERY CHECK -Battery failure is one of the top wintertime problems for vehicles. Be sure yours is in top condition.

FLUIDS -Check all fluid levels, including windshield wipers, antifreeze, transmission and engine oil. Be sure your vehicle has the proper mix of antifreeze in the cooling system. Pure, undiluted antifreeze solidifies at eight degrees Fahrenheit, which is why it is important to maintain a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water in the winter months. A full flush and fill of the system should be done every 24 months.

TIRES -Navigating through snow or on ice is tough enough. Don't let worn tires make it even harder. Examine them for remaining tread life and uneven wearing. Check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks, and don't forget to include your spare tire and jack in your tire check. You should also be checking the pressure once a month and have the tires rotated as necessary.

LIGHTS, HEATER, and DEFROSTER -All of these should be checked for good working condition.

WIPERS -Replace old or worn windshield wiper blades and keep extra washer fluid in the trunk.

When preparing your vehicle for winter, be sure it is also fully stocked with emergency items such as extra windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, a small shovel, jumper cables, a flashlight, a flare, gloves and a bag of sand in case you are unfortunate enough to get stuck.

After your vehicle is prepped for the winter, and you're ready to get on those wintry roads, be sure to test the road conditions first. Drive at a speed that matches prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions. Anticipate lane changes, stops and turns - and make them gradually.

[This article was reprinted from the Times Union Automotive Weekly; article by Kim Quinn]

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