With winter here, motorists should be prepared for travel in cold, snowy and icy conditions. AAA calls particular attention to the following points in its winter car care checklist items:

Battery and charging system – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. Auto repair shops can test and replace weak batteries.

Battery cables and terminals – Make sure the battery terminals and cable ends are free from corrosion and the connections are tight.

Tire type and tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light-to-moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 3/32-inches of tread. Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.

Tire pressure – Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb.

Coolant levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level annually with an inexpensive tester available at any auto parts store.

Emergency road kit – Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. The kit should include:

• Mobile phone, pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, and car charger.
• Drinking water.
• First-aid kit.
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers.
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats.
• Snow shovel.
• Blankets.
• Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves).
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Window washer solvent.
• Ice scraper with brush.
• Cloth or roll of paper towels.
• Jumper cables.
• Warning devices (flares or triangles).
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench).