Before winter really starts and gets into full swing, you need to make sure that your vehicle is ready to handle the cold temperatures and challenging weather conditions that winter presents.

Here are four things that you need to check on your car.

#1 Lights

The first thing that you need to check is all the lights on your vehicle. During the winter time, it gets light a lot later in the morning and gets dark earlier as well, making having working lights extremely important. Have someone stand outside of your vehicle while you turn on your head lights, fog lights, turn signals, and brakes, and make sure that all of your lights work. If any light is out or dim, your local auto parts store should be able to help you find the right light and may even take out your old light and put the new one in for you.

Also, pay attention to how bright your lights look. If the light from your headlights has a yellow tint, seems foggy, or is just not as bright as it used to be, you may need to clean the glass over your lights. A headlight restoration kit will clean your glass over your headlights in a way that glass cleaner can't and should make your lights appear brighter.

#2 Battery

Second, you need to check on the state of your battery. Take it to your local mechanic and have them run a voltage test on your battery. This will tell you how strong the charge is in your battery. If the charge is getting weak, you may want to replace your battery. When it is cold outside, it is harder for your vehicle's battery to start up and work effectively if the battery is getting worn out. It is best to replace your battery before it dies so you aren't sitting in your driveway in the cold with a battery that will not start.

#3 Wiper Fluid

Make sure that you fill up your wiper fluid reserve with wiper fluid that is designed for the winter. There are special wiper fluids that are designed to function when sub-zero temperatures hit. When you are driving on snowy roads with slush flying up onto your windshield, you want your windshield wiper fluid to be effective and not freeze.

#4 Winter Tires

If you live somewhere where the temperatures during the winter regularly drop to around or below freezing, you may want to invest in winter tires. Winter tires will stay more flexible in extremely cold temperatures in comparison to all-weather tires. This will help your tires grip the road and provide you with good traction. You'll also get better grip on the road when there is snow on the ground.

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