Bethesda, MD — Dec. 12, 2007 — It's the sleigh and not your car that is supposed to dash through the snow, but if vehicles are not adequately prepared for winter, driving can be more stressful and treacherous. Many seem willing to take the chance, according to the Car Care Council that reports 70 percent of drivers don't winterize their vehicles.

"Everyone is pressed for time, especially around the holidays, and the vehicle often gets neglected... until something happens. Winterizing is a proactive step that helps ensure safe and reliable driving during one of the busiest times of the year," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council.

Among the safety items to have checked for winter driving are the brakes, especially if it has been a while since your last routine brake inspection. Brakes are a normal wear item for any car and eventually need to be replaced for both performance and safety reasons.

When temperatures drop, tires lose pressure. Tires affect ride, handling, traction and safety, and during winter, tire pressure should be checked often.

It's also very important to check the antifreeze. The owner's manual will have usage specifications but the mixture of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your vehicle's radiator is typically 50:50. When properly mixed, antifreeze and water provide excellent anti-freeze, anti-boil and anti-corrosive properties. As a reminder, don't mistakenly add 100 percent antifreeze, as at full strength it actually has a lower freeze point than when mixed with water.

For motor oil, the council recommends changing to low-viscosity oil in winter, as it will flow more easily between moving parts when cold. Drivers in sub-zero driving temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.

Cold temperatures will reduce a vehicle's battery power, making it critical to keep the connections clean, tight and corrosion-free. Unfortunately, batteries don't always give warning signs before they fail completely. If your vehicle's battery is three years old or older, it's wise to replace it. When choosing a replacement, make sure the new one has adequate capacity for your exact make and model.

Cold weather can also affect the life of windshield wipers by making the rubber hard and brittle and increasing the potential for cracks. Wiper blades that are cracked or torn, or that chatter, streak and don't properly clean your windshield should be changed. Some manufacturers offer special winter blades that have a rubber boot covering the arm assembly to keep snow and ice out. When changing the blades, have the windshield wiper system nozzles cleaned and adjusted if necessary, and check the windshield washer reservoir in case it needs fluid.

Lastly, don't forget the emergency kit that should include an ice scraper, flashlight, blankets, extra clothes, bottled water, snacks, gloves, flares, a first aid kit and any needed medication.

The Car Care Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council's Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.