Depending where you live, winter driving can mean snow, sleet, ice, slower traffic and wet and hazardous roadways.  And in the summer, extreme heat can take its toll on your vehicle, as well as the roadways.     

Be ready for the challenges extreme weather brings year-round by ensuring your vehicle is in good working condition through regular maintenance.   A scheduled check-up should include:   

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and belts
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve
• Checking the battery
• Inspecting the distributor
• Checking the antifreeze level
• Inspecting the tires for air pressure, sidewall wear and tread depth

In addition, if you live in an area where ice and snow are common, make sure you’ve switched to winter tires before winter arrives. 

Have a cell phone handy, so you can call for help when you need it. Your smart phone's GPS can also help locate you if you're lost. 

Pre-packed emergency kits are helpful for building a kit, but they may not have everything you need.  Make sure your roadside emergency kit includes: 

• Basic repair tools
• Cell phone charger
• Change of clothes
• Drinking water
• Duct tape
• Emergency Road Service (or other roadside assistance membership) contact information
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares
• Hazard triangles
• Jack and mat for tire changes
• Jumper cables
• Non-perishable food
• Paper towels
• Tow rope
• Work gloves

• Blanket
• Heavy woolen mittens, socks, stocking cap and blankets
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candy 
• Sand and a small shovel
• Scissors and string/cord
• Windshield scraper and snow brush
• Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container

Pull your vehicle as far off the road as possible. Move to the right shoulder all the way to the grass, an off ramp, parking lot or well-lit area if you can. The farther away from moving traffic that you are, the safer you will be.

In addition, if you become stranded in extreme winter conditions, check to make sure the car’s exhaust is not blocked and run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour, depending on the amount of gas you have in the tank.  Keep at least one window open to allow for ventilation and a way to get out, as heavy snow and ice can seal a vehicle shut.