With consistent care, a car or truck usually can continue to provide good service and dependability, Bradshaw said. Replace windshield wiper blades. Check to see that both the heater and the defroster work. Check the exhaust system for leaks. Check lights and turn signals.
Some drivers prefer to add a sandbag or two in the trunk.
Driving a car with limited vision greatly increases risks. When warming up a car or truck in a garage or carport, back the vehicle onto the driveway, away from the house or other enclosed area, to minimize exposure to potentially harmful carbon monoxide fumes. A tow chain and booster cables can be helpful. So can a bright cloth, like a bandana, which can be tied to the antenna to help emergency crews locate the vehicle. If, for example, the car slides off the road or into a snow bank, a driver may not be able to get to them in the trunk or tool box, Bradshaw said.