Get your car ready before snow

This is a good time of the year to make sure your car is in shape for winter. If you spend a little money now, you’ll reduce the chances that you’ll have to pay tow charges later if your vehicle breaks down.

Some Things to Check

•Wiper blades and windshield fluid — Hardened blades can deteriorate and crack in the cold just when you need them the most.

•Spare tire and jack — Consider investing in a full-size spare instead of the small emergency tire that comes with most vehicles.

•Hoses and belts — If they’re cracked or frayed, the cold might cause them to snap.

•Antifreeze — Make sure your radiator has enough to handle midwinter temperatures where you live.

•Headlights, blinkers and hazard lights — Keep a small pack of replacement fuses in the vehicle in case one of your lights goes out.

•Battery — Check your records (or the top of the battery) for the date your battery was installed. If you’re due for a new battery in a few months, you might want to get it now. Cold weather can make it harder to start a vehicle.

•Brakes — Have a mechanic take off all four wheels, not just one. You might have uneven wear, which could affect emergency breaking.

•Heater and rear-window defroster — If you get stuck someplace, you’ll need the heater to keep you warm until help arrives.

•Tires — Even if you’re in an area where you won’t be driving on snow and ice, winter rains can cause traction problems. Check the treads for uneven wear.

For driving in extra-cold weather, make sure to have in your vehicle: windshield ice scraper, brush, anti-ice lock spray (works on wiper mechanisms, too), bags of sand for traction, canned fruit (pull-tab cans), energy bars and water.

No matter where you live and where you might travel, be sure to store the basics in your vehicle:

•A first-aid kit

•Jumper cables, blankets, new road flares, windup flashlight (doesn’t need batteries), basic tool kit and extra wiper blades.