• Battery and Charging System: A trained technician should check the battery and charging system of a vehicle to ensure that the battery is strong enough to start the engine even in the coldest temperatures. The Average Life of Car Batteries: Seven Tips to Extend Your Car Battery Life
• Battery Cables and Terminals: Check terminals and battery cables to ensure that they are secure and free of corrosion. How to Replace Battery Terminals
• Drive Belts: Check belts for cracking and fraying, replacing any worn belts. Everything You Need to Know About Belt Maintenance and Repair
• Engine Hoses: Check cooling system hoses for cracks, leaks, and loose clamps. Replace any hoses that are spongy or brittle. Ultimate Guide to Car Radiator Hoses, Heater Hoses, and Coolant Hoses
• Tire Type and Tread: Snow tires will provide a vehicle with the best traction in areas with heavy snow. In places where moderate snow falls, use all-season tires. Check all tires to ensure that they have adequate tread depth. How Do I Check Tire Tread Depth?
• Tire Pressure: Check tire pressure frequently during the winter to ensure that it's at the proper level for your vehicle. Prepare Your Tires for Winter Weather
• Air Filter: Inspect the air filter to ensure that it's clean. If you can see through the air filter when you hold it up to a 60-watt light bulb, it's clean enough. Tips for Cleaning Your Car Air Filter
• Coolant Levels: When the engine is cold, check the coolant levels. Add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water if the coolant level is low. Car Talk Service Advice: Coolant
• Lights: Check the headlights, taillights, flashers, turn signals, brake lights, and backup lights, and replace any bulbs that are burnt out. Your Car Won't Handle the Rest of the Winter Without These Eight Fixes
• Wiper Blades: Make sure that the windshield wiper blades clear the windshield completely, and replace wipers that miss spots or leave streaks on the glass. Help Your Wipers Survive Winter
• Washer Fluid: Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a solution that has antifreeze components. The Best Windshield Washer Fluid Hack
• Brakes: Have a certified technician inspect the brakes. Four Ways to Ensure That Your Brakes Are Ready for Winter
• Transmission, Brake, and Power Steering Fluids: Check fluid levels to ensure that everything is topped off. Quick Tips for Checking Vehicle Fluids

Compile an emergency road kit of essentials, and place the kit in your trunk. Periodically, check the contents of your kit to ensure that everything is fresh and in working order.

• Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter: Winter Driving Supply Checklist
• Snow shovel: Prepare an Emergency Kit for Winter Driving
• Snow brush/ice scraper
• Flashlight and extra batteries: Winter Weather Safety Kit
• Window washing solvent: Emergency Kit for the Car
• Roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables: Before You Go, Don't Forget to Pack Your Winter Car Emergency Kit
• Outerwear (coats, gloves, hats, boots)
• Extra clothing: Survival Kit for Winter Driving
• Blankets and sleeping bags: Emergency Gear for the Car
• Drinking water: Winter Storm Survival
• Non-perishable food and snacks
• First-aid kit: Driving in Difficult Conditions
• Cell phone and car charger: Car Survival and Emergency Kit