Your Car

1) Prepare your car for winter

Start with a checkup that includes: Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts.
Changing and adjusting the spark plugs.
Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve. Inspecting the distributor.
Checking the battery.
Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth. Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
Checking antifreeze levels and the freeze line. A full tank of gas - Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Clean windows and mirrors

Your car should have a tune-up (check the owner's manual for the recommended interval) to ensure better gas mileage, quicker starts and faster response on pick-up and passing power.

Equipment

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2). Necessary Equipment

A well-stocked winter driving kit helps to handle any emergency. What should I include in a winter driving kit?

Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
Tow and Properly fitting tire chains
Snow shovel, Snow brush, Ice scraper
Traction mats
Jumper cables, Tool kit
Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
Reflective triangles and brightly-colored cloth
Working flashlight and extra batteries
Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures

Survival Kit

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3). Essential Supplies

Be prepared with a "survival kit" that should always remain in the car. Replenish after use. Essential supplies include:

If you have a cellular phone, take it with you; you can contact the Highway Patrol statewide by calling HP (*47) or call the county emergency center by dialing 911
Roll of paper towels - Blanket
Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm gloves and footwear
First aid kit
Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, hard candy and water
Matches and emergency candles - only use with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
Road maps. Compass
"Call Police" or other help signs or brightly colored banners.
Scissors and string/cord

Be Prepared

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4). How should you prepare yourself for winter driving?
Plan your driving in advance and avoid driving when fatigued.
Contact your provincial "Road Reports" to get updates regarding road conditions in the region to which you are going. NCDOT TIMS on the right of the page.
Check weather conditions for your travel route (and time) before you begin driving.
Inform someone of your route and planned arrival time.
Choose warm and comfortable clothing. If you need to remove outdoor clothing later while driving, STOP the vehicle in a safe spot.
Warm up your vehicle BEFORE driving off. It reduces moisture condensing on the inside of the windows.
NEVER WARM UP YOUR VEHICLE AN ENCLOSED AREA, SUCH AS A CLOSED GARAGE.
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle. It helps to see and, equally important, to be seen.
Wear sunglasses on bright sunny days.
Bring a cell phone if you have one but do not leave it in the car as the battery will freeze.
If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.