If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where snowfall is unheard of you might count yourself lucky. Driving on wet, icy and snowy roads is not a walk in the park. Should you find yourself wanting or having to travel to colder climes during the peak of snow season, you will need to get your Southern car ready for the trip ahead.

The better prepared you are for conditions on the road ahead the more likely it is you will have an uneventful trip. To make sure your car is up to the journey, you will want to consider such things as:

•Your battery – Batteries sold in warmer climates are not necessarily designed to handle freezing temperatures. Check yours and make sure it can stand the climate you’re planning to head into. If not, you may want to replace it before you go so you can count on your engine starting time and again.
•Your fluids – Do go in for an oil and fluid change before the trip. Tell the mechanic where you’re going and ask for proper antifreeze for the temperatures.
•Your tires – If conditions are going to be snowy or icy, you may want to invest in tires to handle the trip. Chains can help in some instances, but snow tires might be the best if it’s really coming down where you plan on driving to.
•A safety kit – Be prepared for what may lie ahead by stocking up on basic supplies like roadside flags for breakdowns, flares, a first aid kit and even add blankets and warm weather gear to the trunk.
•Visibility gear – Make sure your windshield wipers are durable enough to handle snow removal. You may also want to buy a windshield scraper for ice. If you can’t find one where you live, look for them online or pick one up as soon as you hit a colder region.

Driving up north in the peak of winter can be a lot of fun, but safety needs to come first. Be sure to weatherize your Southern car before you pull out.