If you live in an area that is prone to a lot of winter-related weather, i.e. ice, snow, blizzards, etc. you want to make sure that your vehicle is properly outfitted for winter driving. Here are a few suggestions to help you get your vehicle ready for the winter driving season.

Winter tires. Be sure and get high-quality winter tires. "Snow tires" should really be called "winter tires" because they are appropriate for driving in all kinds of winter weather, not just snow. Be sure and purchase 4 of these tires as they will be needed not only for traction while driving, but for stopping as well as for starting. Tire chains. Tire chains aren't as effective as winter tires, but are useful in emergency situations. Chains are illegal in some states, so be sure and check your state's laws regarding chain use. Steel wheels. Today's vehicles are often equipped with alloy wheels which look nice and weigh less than steel wheels. However, road salt can cause pitting in alloy wheels, which will detract from their appearance as well as possibly cause some damage to your tires. Synthetic motor oil. Traditional motor oil can thicken in cold weather, making it harder to start your vehicle. There are synthetic oils that are manufactured especially for colder weather. Windshield water repellent/antifogger. There are water repellents available on the market that will help the rain and snow roll off your windshield before freezing. These and chemical anti-foggers for the inside of your windshield are available at hardware stores or auto parts stores. New cabin air filter. If you find that your vehicle's heater is no longer warming up in the winter or the defogger no longer clears the windshield, the culprit could be your cabin air filter. It should be replaced annually. Driving in winter weather is never fun, but you can make it safer and less stressful by taking precautions beforehand.