[HondaMan]

There are several things you should check on your car before or during the winter.

First, check the strength of your antifreeze. It should protect down to at least -30F. If not, have some of the antifreeze drained out and then refilled.

Make sure your windshield wiper are in good condition.

Have your battery checked for power.

And if you live in a snowy climate, always keep a small shovel and a bag of cat litter in the trunk in case you get stuck.

[Speedo]

Originally Posted by HondaMan

First, check the strength of your antifreeze. It should protect down to at least -30F. If not, have some of the antifreeze drained out and then refilled.

HondaMan - Could you tell me how to check the strength of antifreeze? I just buy a bottle and pour it in. I didn't know there was a way to test what was already in there.

[HondaMan]

Speedo, there is a tester that you can buy at Walmart and all automotive parts stores. It's called a coolant tester and it looks like an eye dropper with 5 or 6 tiny balls in it and a tube on the end. Simply place the tube in your radiator and suction up some coolant and read the results on the side of the dropper. It's very easy.

[abba]

Hi Hondaman, that's a great list. I don't see the tire chain in the list though. But I like seeing the shovel. Let me add in your list a match box in waterproof plastic, flash light with spare batteries, and a transistor radio with spare batteries of its own.

[HondaMan]

Thanks Abba, those are great items to add to your winter survival package. I didn't think about the tire chains because I live in a climate that isn't normally snowy, but they are a good idea.

[jason]

While I do not live in a snowy climate, I was thinking of one of the army shovels recently. They fold up small, and have many functions, and just seems like something good to have.

For those in cold climates, this time of year I would add a blanket to your list. Even if it is the small solar blankets.

[Kohn]

A blanket would be a good addition. I also find the transistor radio a smart addition. I think we can add an inspirational book or magazines to the list. Sometimes, all help has been arranged and coming, but there's nothing to do at the moment. An inspirational article would be useful.

[FiveSpeed]

Another thing on the checklist would be to check the air in the tires. If you live in a snowy climate, you might want to run the tires with a few less pounds of air than what you normally would. This will help the tires to get better traction. Of course, if there's no snow or ice, fill the tires with 32 PSI of air.