We haven't had to use our scrapers much this year in Wisconsin, but our first big snow will arrive shortly! Here are 10 tips to keep your car rolling smoothly through winter's challenges:

1. Remove leaves in crevices of your vehicle, such as the air plenum near the windshield or in your sunroof. Just like leaves and twigs can cause havoc with the gutters on your house, debris does the same to your car. When debris builds up where water is supposed to flow out, you can get leaks or corrosion.
2. Inspect your tires. The National Highway Transportation Safety Board says you need at least 2/32” of depth to be safe. Try the Penny Tire Test:
   • Place a penny upside down with Lincoln facing you in the center of the tread.
   • If you can see the very top of Lincoln's head or the copper above it, replace your tires immediately!
   • If Lincoln's hair on the top of his head is visible, it's time to go tire shopping.
   • If you can't see the hair on top of his head, your tires are good to go.
3. Wiper blades have a lifespan of about one year. If it’s going to snow, pop your wipers up when you park so they’re not touching the windshield. This will make it easier to scrape your windshield and will reduce the chance of burning out the wiper motor.
4. Check your battery and charging system NOW. Repair shops don’t usually charge much to load-test your battery, and some do it for free.
5. Look under your car for anything loose flapping about. If so, driving over a snowdrift can turn a small problem into a more expensive one. You may be able to pop it back into place or use a zip tie.
6. Check your antifreeze. Your car contains a 50/50 mix of water & antifreeze. Make sure the level is full and the mixture is close to 50/50.
7. Check your tire pressure. Tires lose a pound of pressure for every 10 degree drop. Don’t forget to put the valve caps back on when you’re done!
8. Have a survival kit in your car including:
   • Blanket
   • Whistle
   • Plastic bag to gather snow for water
   • Plumber's candle & lighter
   • Razor blade
   • Empty soup can (for melting snow with candle)
   • The more rural roads you drive on, the more you'll want to keep in your car.
9. Wax your headlights. Every lumen you can squeeze out will improve your safety. The slippery surface will be less likely to build up an “icicle” coat, plus it will make it easier to remove if it does.
10. Check windshield washer fluid. You’ll be using a lot of this. A mile stuck behind a semi will hurt you if you’re low on fluid.

Information from www.kiplinger.com.