Winter car care is essential...No matter where you live

(SPM Wire) Whether or not you do a lot of driving in the cold or on snow or ice, it still is important to be sure your car can handle the season.

Colder weather can affect cars and trucks in all parts of the country, especially as far as batteries, tires and fluid levels are concerned.

Now is a great time of year to check your battery's charge, antifreeze and windshield washer fluid levels, as well as your tires and windshield wiper blades.

You want to be sure your vehicle can handle everything Mother Nature can dish out this time of year and that you don't get left stranded.

"Don't forget to make time for your vehicle this winter," said Mark Salem, ASE Certified Master Technician and host of "Under the Hood," a radio carcare show in Phoenix. "Proper maintenance and preparation will help ensure that you and your passengers don't get caught out in the cold."

Knowing a few tricks of the car trade can help. For instance, many people are unaware that as the mercury drops, your tire pressure can fall along with it, with experts saying they can lose as much as eight pounds in colder weather.

Similarly, you should be sure to check any of your engine's rubber parts, such as hoses and belts that can easily crack or snap in colder weather, especially if they freeze.

This is why the experts at the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) are offering these tips to help you make sure your vehicle is prepared this winter:

* Read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's service intervals.

* Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer fluid on hand to fight road salt, grit, and other grime.

* Replace worn tires with allseason radials or snow tires, as conditions warrant. Don't forget to check the spare tire and jack.

* If you are not a do-it-yourselfer, find a repair shop with a courteous staff, qualified technicians, and modern equipment. Look for repair facilities that employ ASE-certified automotive technicians to do those jobs you cannot or do not want to perform.

* Engine performance problems (rough idling, poor acceleration, or hard starts) should be corrected. An inconvenience in the summer, stalling can be deadly in winter storms.

* Have a qualified auto technician check the condition of your battery and cables, plus the radiator, and all hoses and belts.

* Make certain the heater and defroster are in good working condition; have the exhaust system examined for leaks, a potentially deadly condition in closed vehicles.

* Carry emergency gear: flares, boots, gloves, ice scraper, high-energy snacks, a blanket, shovel, flashlight, tire chains, a few tools, and a cell phone.

For more information on the care and upkeep of your car or truck, visit the Institute's Web site at www.ase.com.