(ARA) - In many parts of the country, winter can test even the most seasoned driver's skills with sudden road and weather changes. In ideal circumstances you have warning of what Old Man Winter might bring for the day, but many times wet roads can become icy and a few flurries can become a snowstorm without any warning at all.

While you can't avoid unforeseeable weather changes, you can make sure your car is maintained and ready for winter driving. From using a radiator coolant additive to carrying an emergency breakdown kit in your trunk, here are some tips to prepare your vehicle for winter driving:

Check your battery: Instead of landing on your "I Forgot" list, put this one at the top. Make sure your battery posts and connections are free of corrosion and that the battery has the water it needs. If your battery is older than three years, have a certified repair shop test its ability to hold a charge.

Belts and hoses: When you're having your vehicle serviced, make the mechanic checks the belts and hoses for wear and tear, regardless of the age of your car. Cold weather can also affect the belts and hoses of a modern car, so an inspection can't hurt.

Have the right antifreeze mix: You will want to aim for a 50-50 mix of antifreeze (coolant) and water inside your radiator. This prevents the mixture from freezing at extremely cold temperatures. Or try using a coolant additive like Royal Purple's Purple Ice that is a high performance, synthetic, radiator coolant additive. Royal Purple recommends a minimum of 20 percent antifreeze concentration be used in street-driven vehicles because Purple Ice has no effect on the boiling and/or freezing point of water. Learn more at www.coolerradiators.com.

Check your four-wheel drive: If your vehicle has four-wheel drive, you probably haven't used it during the summer, so it's good idea to check the status of your four-wheel drive system. Make sure the system engages and disengages easily and that all the drivers of the vehicle know how and when to use the system.

Get an oil change: When you're getting your vehicle ready for winter, change the oil using the right viscosity for your vehicle for the time of year. Conventional oil tends to thicken as it gets colder, and if too thick, it won't properly lubricate your engine. Check your owner's manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures. Another alternative is to use a synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil like Royal Purple that will extend the time between oil changes, saving you money and having less impact on the environment.

Emergency preparedness: If you know you're going to be on the road during the winter months, make sure you have an emergency kit in your trunk. Items you should include in your kit are: a blanket, boots, gloves and warm clothes, water and food including hard candy, ice scraper, small shovel, jumper cables, tool kit, tire chains, tire gauge, spare tire (ready to be used), tire changing equipment, first aid kit, paper towels and abrasive material such as non-clumping cat litter or sand to provide traction in the snow.

With a little preparation, you can ensure you vehicle doesn't leave you out in the cold this winter.

(ARA) - Which is cheaper - a monthly car payment for a new vehicle that will almost certainly have lower maintenance and repair costs than an older car? Or keeping on top of regular maintenance and repair of an older car, and saving yourself the monthly car payment?

If the numbers are any clue, it would seem more Americans believe holding on to an older car costs less than paying for a new one. The average age of passenger cars is now more than 9 years, according to data from R.L. Polk. And the average price of a new car tops $28,000, according to the Federal Trade Commission. What's more, older cars depreciate less and often cost less to insure.

Hanging on to a car - and taking care of it - can definitely save you money versus taking on a new-car payment. The key to maximizing your savings on an old car is actually to spend a little on regular maintenance. That will allow you to avoid more costly, emergency repairs caused by the breakdown of poorly maintained parts.

Follow these simple steps to ensure good maintenance helps you avoid expensive repairs:

1. Get to know the owner's manual. Your owner's manual will provide vital information on your vehicle's systems, and should include a maintenance schedule. If you no longer have the owner's manual or want more detailed maintenance information for your car, you can buy a factory service manual online. Auto parts retailer RockAuto.com sells manuals for $12 to $50 - money well spent if it helps you avoid a repair that costs hundreds or even thousands.

2. Take care of the timing belt. Most cars newer than 20 years old have timing belts that need to be changed, sometimes as often as every 60,000 miles. When the timing belt breaks it may either simply leave the car immobile or, worse, if the car has what the RockAuto.com auto parts catalog calls an "interference engine," then a broken timing belt will likely cause expensive damage to other engine parts. Look in your owner's manual to see if your car has a timing belt and when it must be replaced.

3. Check your fluids. Make sure you know the manufacturer's recommendations for what type of oil, antifreeze, transmission, power steering and brake fluid your vehicle uses. Using outdated or the wrong fluid can cause damage - and void any remaining warranty on your car. Check your owner's manual to determine what kind of fluid to use and when each needs to be changed.

4. Pay attention to shock absorbers and struts. These parts protect the suspension, steering, brakes and other vehicle systems. Waiting until the car starts to ride funny or bounce before replacing the shocks and struts may cause costly damage to other parts. Plus, a car that handles and stops poorly is less safe. Monroe.com presents a strong case for replacing original shocks and struts on most popular cars at 50,000 miles. Consult your service manual or mechanic to get recommendations for your specific vehicle.

5. Stay on schedule. The maintenance schedule in your owner's or shop manual will also list important inspections to perform periodically, and repairs or maintenance you can expect the vehicle will need throughout its serviceable life. It will often be cheaper to replace auto parts before they break than after. Use the chart in your manual to keep track of completed maintenance.

Performing regularly scheduled maintenance also will allow you to anticipate expenses and budget for them - a tactic which will always save you more money than paying for emergency repairs.

Courtesy of ARAcontent