Haven’t winterized your car, truck or SUV yet? Here comes some serious incentive, if we believe the weather reports. A blizzard is bearing down on the Midwest with accumulations to 18 inches in some states. Now, most weather reports suggest that, here in the McHenry County area, the storm will either stay mostly to the North or will have blown itself out before it gets here. That’s good news, especially if you haven’t winterized your car, truck or SUV yet.

The unusually warm autumn we’ve experienced may have lulled some people into a false sense of hope that winter would take a pass this year. More likely, it simply occupied minds with more pleasant thoughts and worries about preparing the car, truck or SUV for the cold months ahead were neglected.

If the approaching storm is more of a lamb than a tiger, it can still serve as a needed reminder to have your car, truck or SUV winterized. Failing to do so can leave you stranded on a dark, frigid road a month or two from now. You could find that the car, truck or SUV won’t start when you need to leave the house or office for an appointment. Parts of the car can break leading to hefty repair bills.

Most of this, however, is avoidable. And the way to avoid these possible and unpleasant outcomes is to take a measure of precaution. In other words, winterize your car, truck or SUV.

At this point, you’ve probably got the message of this post. What then is involved in properly winterizing your car, truck or SUV for winter? Here is a short list, which we’ll expound on in later posts:

• Winterize - change the oil with the right oil
• Will Winter push your battery over the edge?
• Check charging and starting system
• How does coolant/antifreeze work to keep your car, truck or SUV running through the winter?
• Fuel up to keep fuel lines flowing
• Get a grip with tires
• Prepare for potholed roads with suspension and steering check
• Hot air for passenger comfort and clear windows
• Wipers and a clear view
• Tune-up and Oil change
• Safe driving plans and equipment