Just like you're not going to go outside in a blinding snowstorm without a heavy coat, you can't expect your car to function in that same weather without some protection. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can do to help prepare your car for winter.

Oil

Oil is the first area you need to pay attention to winterizing your vehicle. A thin and less viscous oil is better during the winter months, especially if you live in a place where it's likely to get below freezing. When you take your car in for your fall oil change, switch out to 5W-30 motor oil. Of course, it's always best to check your owner's manual before making this kind of change. Your local Philadelphia Buick Pontiac GMC dealership can help you decide which oil is best, as well.

Coolant

Next you need to consider your engine's cooling system. Coolant doesn't only keep your engine cool; it keeps your engine from corroding, and from freezing during cold weather. Make sure you have coolant that contains ethylene glycol, and that you have the right ratio of coolant to water. Generally speaking a car needs to have a 60% coolant and 40% water ration during the winter.

Battery

Oil and coolant help your engine, but the engine isn't the only part of your car that needs some attention for the winter. Your battery is also vulnerable. During the winter, your battery's capacity is reduced. Make sure your battery is in good shape, and that the cables, terminals and fluid all look good. Watch for cable breaks. Make sure the terminals are tight. uncover the refill hole of your battery, and check to see how the fluid looks. Add distilled water if the battery fluid is below the refill line. If you’re not comfortable checking the battery on your own, the folks at your Buick Pontiac GMC dealership can check it out for you.

Tires

Your tires could also use some preparation for winter. You can buy snow tires to use during the winter, especially if you live in an area that's hard to get to during the winter. During the rest of the year, you want to use less aggressive tires, because those winter tires will definitely affect your fuel efficiency. Alternatively, you can use all-season tires year round.

Other preparations

Use a washer fluid that contains antifreeze components to help keep your window clear of frost and ice during the winter.

Keep a lock de-icer handy at all times for when your locks freeze up, too.

Finally, put an emergency kit that includes blankets, a radio, a flashlight, flares, oil, coolant and washer fluid in your trunk. An emergency kit like this can come in very handy during those winter months.