As many parts of the country gear up for frigid cold, think about your car. Dead batteries and deflated tires are common in this weather. We asked local experts for advice on how to protect your car from the cold. check the battery "That's my no. One tip," said Dom Vitale, owner of Dom's Auto Repair, now known as 1939 Auto, in Philadelphia. "In extreme cold weather, (the battery) loses potency. If the battery is more than 2-3 years old, the car may not start when the temperature drops." Like excessive heat, cold weather can strain a battery and reduce its power. All batteries have a Cold Cranking Ampere (CCA) rating, which indicates their ability to start an engine in cold weather. Check the CCA rating online or, if possible, go to your local auto dealer and have the battery tested to determine if it needs replacement. How to jump start a car with a cable It's important to have a way to recharge your battery if it dies. There are two ways to do this: Jumper Pack: A battery booster that can be as small as a wallet and comes with two cables, one red and one black. It can be a great savior if you get stuck as you can charge your vehicle without the help of other vehicles. Connect red to red and black to black. The indicator turns green when the battery is charged. Jumper cables: Most come with instruction cards or labels, but it's always helpful to remember how to use them. If there's one thing to remember, never connect the negative cable to the negative post of a dead battery. inflate the tires Tires are more prone to puncture in winter. “When it gets cold, the air molecules condense inside the tire, reducing pressure,” says George Dieser, owner of Carl's Haddonfield Services in Haddonfield, Pennsylvania. “Most cars that came out in the early 2000s had tire lights that appeared on the dashboard when the pressure was low. Please don't ignore it." Maintaining proper air pressure helps prevent premature tire wear, Dieser noted. As the tread wears down, it no longer grips the road, especially in wet, snowy conditions. (As a bonus, proper inflation improves gas mileage.) Find the recommended pressure for your vehicle by looking for the sticker by the driver's side door. If you can't find the sticker, refer to your owner's manual. go into inspection The time before the dead of winter is a great time for a comprehensive vehicle overhaul, even if you don't need an oil change. “It's a good idea to come twice a year and have a qualified person look under the hood,” says Dieser. "By checking all fluids and belts, you can prevent problems before it's too late." He recommends November 1 as the best time to get a preseason checkup. However, if you miss the cut, make sure you get your car inspected as soon as possible. Bob Ramsey, owner of the Ramsey Service Center in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania, says one of the main items mechanics look for is the coolant system. Antifreeze keeps the coolant in your engine from freezing, but that coolant can degrade over time. Ramsey recommends testing your antifreeze each winter to see if it is still effective. "If the engine freezes, it won't rev and you won't be able to start the car." Replace wiper blades and check washer fluid A pair of blunt blades impair visibility. “Fresh wipers are essential, especially in the winter when salt can form a film on your windshield,” he says Vitale. Also fill up the windshield washer fluid reservoir. A thorough wiping may be required to remove the muddy residue that builds up on the car. emergency essentials for your car If you get stuck, be prepared. Here is a checklist of items you should pack in your car: • Jump packs or jumper cables (longer is better) • Ice scraper •flare Flashlight (with fully charged battery) • blanket • Sweatshirt • hat and gloves • Hand warmers • water bottle • Energy bar • Windshield washer fluid •shovel