Winter can be very tough on a car. Whether your car is old or if it is brand new, you still want to protect it in order to maintain its value and its ability to operate long term. Your car needs attention during the cold winter months in order to keep running smoothly year round.

Follow these tips to keep your car in tip-top shape.

• Check the level of your anti-freeze. A 50/50 ratio is what you want to shoot for, meaning half is distilled water and the other half is anti-freeze. Remember to keep your antifreeze away from pets, it is very poisonous!
• Check y our charging system. This can be done for free at most auto parts stores. Your battery works harder in the cold winter months and you want to make sure it is up to snuff!
• Get an oil change and a new oil filter. Invest in top quality oil in the winter for maximum performance.
• Check your tires. Make sure your tread condition is good. You need to have good traction in less than perfect conditions.
• Test your lights. During winter it gets darker earlier, you want to make sure all brake lights and head lights are working correctly.
• Replace your cabin air filter. During the summer you do not use your heater, so particles and dust get stuck in the cabin air filter, only to leave you choking when the heater gets turned on. Change this for cleaner inside air.