Winter is almost here ... Are you prepared?

Winter can be a dangerous but beautiful time of the year. What I usually see right before (literally) a storm hits, is people going into the store to buy wiper blades, rainx products, snow brushes/scrapers, de-icer, de-icer washer fluid, and things of this nature. I plan my winter change-over in October. Usually every 6 months I change the wiper blades, make sure I have plenty of de-icer washer fluid, de-icer, I always have a brush/scraper with me. (For frost, I use a 'bondo spreader'. It's made of soft plastic so it doesn't scratch the glass.) I carry a blanket for warmth in case the car quits, a cellphone, a couple of flashlights, an emergency kit (available in most auto parts stores), and tools. I also make sure that I have good tires on the car and that they are properly inflated. Bald ones can blow out and you will not have any kind of traction - so you are more prone to hit something because you cannot stop. I believe in preventative maintenance. So make sure your car has been tuned up and the oil change has been done. Have someone check the battery and the alternator to make sure they are running where they are supposed to and that the terminals are not corroded. Be careful during the holiday season as people are rushing around to get from one place to another. Take your time and get there safely - especially in bad weather. Please be sure to download the f/ree guide!