Cars need a check-up before winter

It's important to drive a well-maintained vehicle at all times of the year. Preparing your car for winter is needed to ensure safety. Accidents can easily happen on snow-covered roads.

CarMD recommends motorists check all the basic components a vehicle needs to run properly. In preparation for the colder weather, motorists should also make sure their windshield wipers and fluid levels are up to par. Motorists should also check for leaks and ensure their heater is working properly.

CarMD director Art Jacobsen says car failure can occur when a motorist isn't prepared for the change in weather conditions.

"By spending just a little time and money on preventative measures now, consumers can minimize the possibility of a much more costly problem later in the season," says Jacobsen. "It's better to catch a problem while you're in the warmth of your garage, than to find yourself broken down on the side of the road in the dead of winter."

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation recommends motorists keep their tank full of gas to reduce condensation and help prevent getting stranded.