TIP: Driving in below freezing temperatures

Here are a few tips from Car Care Council to help keep your car in tact during the winter weather: 

1)    Keep the gas tank at least half full; this decreases the chance of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. 

2)    Check the tire pressure, including the spare, as tires can lose pressure when temperatures drop. Consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area. 

3)    Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.

4)    Allow your car a little more time to warm up when temperatures are below freezing so that the oil in the engine and transmission circulate and get warm. 

5)    Change to low-viscosity oil in winter as it will flow more easily between moving parts when it is cold. Drivers in sub-zero temperatures should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30 as thickened oil can make it hard to start the car.  

6)    Consider using cold weather washer fluid and special winter windshield blades if you live in a place with especially harsh winter conditions.

Additionally, experts recommend that drivers keep an emergency kit with an ice scraper, snowbrush, jumper cables, blanket, flashlight, water, snacks, extra clothes and medicine.