You want your car in good condition all the time. However, the winter months can be tough on cars and be challenging for drivers. You don’t want to get stranded on the snow storm alone looking for phone signal and wondering what to do next. Before you get into that fix, get your car ready for the cold season with these winter car care and maintenance tips.

Check the lights. Make a quick check of your car lights. It does not take a lot of time and you can do it while your car is warming up. Start the car and turn on the headlights, fog lights and tail lights to see if all of the lights are working.

Check the battery. You need the battery to get your car running so it is very important to keep them warm in times when the temperature gets well below zero for a long period of time. Look for a way to keep your battery warm like using a battery warmer or parking your car in the garage. When you notice the battery level is fading or have any concerns regarding the performance of the batter, have it checked or replaced.

Check the coolant. You do not want the elements in the radiator to freeze. Coolant with anti-freeze prevents the water in your radiator from freezing. It is a good idea to have it checked out during your maintenance service schedule before winter comes.

Check gas and washer fluid. There are good reasons to keep a full tank of gas, especially during the winter. Having a full supply of gas in the tank can be really helpful if you get stranded somehow as you will surely want a running car with heat in that situation. Also, you will want your washer fluid full as they can be useful in wet and snowy weather.

Check tires and tire pressure. The condition of your tires is essential to the overall tire performance of your vehicle. Temperature affects tires. Under or overinflated tires can be really dangerous. Simply check them out or have them checked out to maintain proper tire inflation.

Keep a survival kit in your car. This can really come handy in case of emergency. It may be a small thing but it could save your life.

These simple wintertime car tips will keep you safe. More importantly, never forget to buckle up, drive with care and stay alert at all times when driving.