Be sure to stay on top of your oil changes when the weather gets cold, and be sure the oil used has the right type of viscosity for the season. Check your owner's manual for guidance, but as a general rule of thumb, thinner oil is better in cold months because oil thickens as it cools.

Connect With Your Battery

Be sure the connections on your battery are free of corrosion and solid. If your battery is older (more than three years old), you can have it tested at a repair shop, as well.

Check Your Fluids

Be sure the antifreeze mixture inside your radiator is correct. It should be about 50 percent water, 50 percent coolant. You can check the mixture with an antifreeze tester, which you can find at an automotive or hardware store. Also, be certain that you have plenty of windshield washer fluid-both in the fluid tank and in a spare bottle in the trunk of your car.

Where Rubber Meets Road

The right tires can help you maintain control in even the worst weather. For instance, on icy or snowy surfaces, the advanced tread block technology of the Michelin X-Ice Xi2 offers improved control and braking. The advanced tread blocks are flexible enough to not only break the film of water on icy surfaces, but also to absorb and stock the water with its micro-pump technology. That action helps improve grip in bad weather conditions. Plus, the tires lower rolling resistance, helping to improve fuel economy.

Be Prepared

Even if you prep your car for winter weather, you should still be prepared for breakdowns. Carry an extra jacket, hat and gloves, along with a pair of snow boots, and keep blankets in the trunk. You should also keep some road flares on hand, as well as a flashlight, cell phone charger and portable shovel-just in case.

For more tips and to learn about winter tires, visit www.michelinman.com.

The right tires, such as this Michelin® X-Ice® Xi2™, can help a vehicle grip the road in icy weather.