In Northern climates where the roads tend to become slick and ice-covered during the winter, auto insurance rates can be higher than in other parts of the country. The fact of the matter is that winter driving is inherently dangerous, and auto insurance companies recognize this greater risk. That isn’t to say you’ll only face the threat of an accident during the winter or that you’re guaranteed to have a winter accident at some point in your life, but it does mean you need to be keenly aware of how the season affects the road conditions in the part of the country where you live.

Just like you prepare your wardrobe for winter by buying some sweaters, gloves and a winter coat, so you need to do some things to prepare your car for the winter months. Making a few simple maintenance plans can mean the difference between having to file an auto insurance claim and having a stress-free and accident-free winter.

Here are some things you need to do in order to prepare your car for winter driving:

• Get to a mechanic. You’ll want to have a trusted mechanic do some inspections on your vehicle. He should check out your battery, your antifreeze level, the car’s thermostat, functioning of the heater, brakes and the window defrosters.
• Next, take a look at those tires. You need to have a sufficient amount of tread to get you through the winter. If they’re due to be changed, do so before the snow starts to fall. You might even consider putting a set of snow tires on your vehicle if you live in an area that tends to get heavy snowfall. Snow tires will offer you better traction, and they are better able to handle the extreme weather conditions of winter driving.
• Visually inspect your vehicle’s lights. You’ll want to check all of your lights, including headlights, running lights, turn signals, brake lights, reverse lights and, perhaps most importantly in the winter, your emergency flashers.
• Watch out for freezing windshield wiper fluid. Make sure to purchase windshield wiper fluid that’s rated for cold temperatures. If you took your car to Florida in the fall and had to add wiper fluid, you should consider replacing it with wiper fluid that is rated better for freezing temperatures.
• Check your car’s windshield washer spray nozzles. Sometimes, these can become blocked by debris or by wax. You can use a pin or a needle to clear any blockages.
• Regularly remove salt from your vehicle during the winter. A good wash and waxing will help to prevent corrosion of your car’s body, and it will keep it looking like new all year round.