Stock the Trunk
It's always smart to be prepared, so make sure you keep a few useful items in your trunk-a small shovel to help dig out of snow is a good start. I also recommend keeping a bag of sand in the trunk. It not only gives added traction with its weight, but you also can sprinkle it on snow or ice to improve your traction. Finally, throw an extra blanket, hat and gloves in the trunk, just in case.
Winter's coming-so be your own pit crew chief and make sure your car is ready. Follow these simple steps, and you'll have a much better season out on the road.
Mark Salem is the "NASCAR Performance Crew Chief" and hosts a regular "Be Car Care Aware" segment on Speed Channel's "NASCAR Performance" television show. An ASE Certified Master Technician, he is the owner of Salem Boys Auto, an auto-repair facility in Phoenix, Arizona.