If you're anything like me, you tend to put things off until the last minute. Kind of like Christmas shopping.

snowstorm
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But, preparing your vehicle for winter weather shouldn't be one of them. A lot of people wait for that first major snowstorm before they think about getting "Old Betsy" ready for the season ahead.

Of course, the first thing motorists think about is their tires. Putting on the winter ones from last year or buying new ones for that fresh tread. Some people go the studded tire route, while others prefer the studless option. Make sure you check your tire pressure, too, because tires lose pressure when temperatures drop.

How's your antfreeze? Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years. You don't want your engine to seize up, do you?

Wiper blades that are torn, cracked or don’t properly clean your windshield should be replaced. It's recommended that wiper blades should be replaced, like batteries in your smoke detectors, every six months. While you're at it, check and make sure you have enough windshield washer fluid.

And keep your battery connectors clean. Northern Maine and Western New Brunswick winters can be brutal, so it's a good idea to check on your battery. If the connectors are clean, then they'll be sure to get a good charge if you should need a jump.

These are just a few suggestions to help you from getting stranded this winter. Talk to your mechanic about other things to look for to keep you on the road this winter. Safe motoring.

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