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Is your vehicle prepared for the winter ahead?

The time change last weekend marks the unofficial turning point from fall to winter in Chicago, and shorter days mean colder temperatures. As Chicagoans begin to unpack their hats and scarves in preparation for the winter months ahead, they should also be thinking about cold-weather vehicle preparation.

November - before the fury of holiday travel overtakes the nation - is the optimal time to winterize your vehicle. Doing so not only protects your vehicle, but may also protect the passengers in it.

Here's a checklist of what to look for as cold weather approaches.

Fluids

With recent winters bringing record snowfall and ice to Chicagoland, keeping your vehicle's antifreeze full is a top concern. Ice and snow mixed with salt residue from the roads can accumulate on your windshield overnight or while driving, making it difficult to see without antifreeze. It is recommended to keep an extra gallon in the trunk during the cold winter months.

Be sure to check the strength of your coolant. An annual coolant flush never hurts to guarantee its effectiveness in the winter and avoid potentially costly repairs later down the road. Don't forget to monitor break and steering fluids as well as oil levels. Oil can evaporate in extreme summer heat, so it's important to make sure your oil levels are properly maintained heading into winter.

Tires

According to the Department of Transportation, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes each year occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement. With 70 percent of the nation's roads located in snowy regions, it's important to make sure your tires are in top shape.

First, check the tread on your tires by inserting a penny face down into the tread. If you can see all of President Lincoln's head, the tread is too shallow and it may be time to replace your tires. Also, it's imperative that tires are properly inflated to maximize their capability. Tire pressure may decrease faster in cold weather, so check pressure regularly.

Battery

For optimal performance, experts recommend a battery replacement every three to five years. If you notice your battery's performance has been waning, as evidenced in sluggish start-ups, it's best to replace it now to help avoid it failing on you when you need it most.

Wipers

Inspect your windshield wipers and, if necessary, replace them before the arrival of heavy snowfall. During the summer months, heat can dry the rubber on the blades, causing them to crack and rendering them less effective. Taking care of the wipers now will ensure they are equipped to tackle ice, sleet, snow, and anything else the winter months throw at them.

Headlights and Taillights

Most drivers don't pay much attention to their headlights and taillights, despite the fact that they among the most important safety features on the vehicle. While winterizing your vehicle, it's recommended to check and replace any faded or foggy headlines. For the taillights, you might need to ask a friend or family member to stand at the rear of your car to conduct the test.

Safety Kits

Preparation is the key to overcoming any perilous situations that winter driving may present. Consider equipping your vehicle with a winter safety kit, inclusive of blankets, flashlights, water bottles, snacks, and phone chargers. These are simple items often found around the house, but moving them into the trunk of the vehicle could prove to be a lifesaver.

While we cannot predict when winter weather will materialize or how severe it will be, we can prepare our vehicles to handle whatever comes their way. A couple hours of preparation today could save both time and money down the road.

Mike Yockey is the service manager for Friendly Ford of Roselle.

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