It’s becoming harder to wake up each morning with the chilly breeze blowing outside. Winter is really fast approaching. But the question is: Are we ready for the coming winter? Did you have your car undergo its needed maintenance for the coming winter? If your answer to these questions is NO then consider yourself fortunate since SafeAuto Insurance Company has taken the initiative to provide you with helpful tips on how to “winterize” your car to avoid accidents and breakdowns especially this busy travel season.

The tips provided by SafeAuto Insurance were based on their market experience and from the frequently reported road troubles by customers who are utilizing the free roadside assistance program of SafeAuto.

Jon Diamond, SafeAuto President said, "Millions of drivers will be traveling this holiday season, and taking some simple preventative steps to winterize your car can mean the difference between a happy holiday and being stranded on the side of the road. We pioneered the concept of keeping our customers legal for less, and keeping them safe is simply an extension of that spirit. Our customers know that if they need assistance we'll be there for them. However, if we're able to keep our drivers on the road, or prevent a roadside tragedy, that's a benefit that can't be beat."

Here are the tips provided by SafeAuto with regards on how to winterize your car:

  1.  Check the blades. Replace worn blades and don't forget to fill the car with washer fluid and antifreeze solution.

  2.  Keep a full tank. Keeping your tank at least halfway full prevents moisture from freezing in the fuel lines.

  3.  Winterize your tires. Monitor your tire pressure. Cold air causes tires to contract, reducing traction. If you are traveling through an area prone to heavy snow, invest in tire chains.

  4.  Check the battery. Cold temperatures reduce battery capacity by up to 50 percent. If your battery is more than 3 years old, have it checked by a certified technician.

  5.  Charge your cell. If vehicle trouble arises, it is far better to stay in the shelter of your car and make a phone call than to subject yourself to dangerous conditions.

  6.  Winterize your emergency kit. Stock your car with a flashlight, jumper cables, food and water, an ice scraper, a blanket, warm clothes and a first aid kit.

  7.  De-ice to unlock. A number of de-icing solutions are sold at discount or auto parts stores. But remember, if your locks are frozen, keeping de-icer in your car won't do any good.

  8.  Check your lights. Snow, sleet and freezing rain mean reduced visibility. Be sure your fellow drivers see you coming by making sure all of your lights are in proper working order.

  9.  Practice makes perfect. Haven't changed a flat in awhile? Don't know where your spare tire even is? It's better to prepare now, than to try and figure it out when the snow is piling up around you.

  10. Winterize your driving skills. It takes longer to slow down when the roads are covered with slippery ice and snow. Brake earlier than you normally would and pay special attention at intersections where vehicles are coming from multiple directions.