1. Snow tires—Driving with worn or high performance tires reduces braking, acceleration and handling capabilities.  Consider investing in winter tires to improve traction.
2. Check all hoses and belts—Cold temperatures can speed up their deterioration.
3. Antifreeze mixture—Ideal mix of coolant to water is 50-50. Is good to -34 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Engine oil—Thinner winter oil circulates better at start-up.
5. Washer fluid levels—Fill up your windshield washer reservoir. Do not use plain water. It will freeze.
6. Car battery—Cold temperatures can reduce battery power by 50 percent. Make sure you test an older battery; keep posts and connections clean and top off water level.
7. Tire Pressure—Air pressure drops in cold weather. Proper inflation improves traction and saves gas.
8. Heater/Defrosters—Essential for warmth and safety.  Make sure they are functioning properly.
9. Windshield wipers—Wiper blades are usually effective for about one year. If yours are older, test them for squeaks skips.
10. Ice Scrapers—Don’t leave the garage without one!  Heated scrapers that you can plug into your car’s cigarette lighter melt ice as you scrape, neat!
11. Emergency Kit—Consider carrying flashlight, flares and first-aid kit; jumper cables, a tool kit and tire chains; blanket, warm clothes and gloves; paper towels; bag of sand or kitty litter; snowbrush, ice scraper and snow shovel; extra washer fluid; extra food and water.

SOURCES: National Safety Council, Edmunds.com