Just because winter is already here doesn’t mean that you can’t check up on your car and make sure it can handle the weather that’s still yet to come. Sound like a plan to you? Here’s how to ensure that your vehicle is ready for this upstate winter!

• Make sure your radiator and coolant are in good shape – i.e. the level of your coolant is where it should be and your radiator is in working order.

• Use your garage! Clean it out if it’s full and start parking your car in it.

• If you don’t have a garage, use a car cover.

• Check your defrosters and make sure they work properly.

• Fill your windshield washer fluid, preferably with fluid that contains non-toxic antifreeze.

• Check your windshield wipers and consider replacing them with wipers specifically meant for winter use.

• Check your battery, which means checking the connections and the electrical system as well. Replace your battery if it is dying.

• Put your snow tires on your car if you have them. If not, consider investing in a set, or investing in tire chains or other tire traction accessories.