The sun is setting sooner and the air is getting a little colder. Winter will be here before you know it, and you don't want to be caught unawares by heavy snow and icy streets – especially if you plan to do a lot of driving. 

Cars act differently in winter weather, and even though modern vehicles are much more reliable than they were in years past, it's still important for owners to take some basic preventative measures as the season starts to turn. No one wants to face expensive repairs because of the cold.

Here are some things you should do next time you get a chance:

Check your fluids: When driving in the winter, wiper fluid and antifreeze are critical, so make sure your levels aren't low. Choose a de-icer wiper fluid so you'll be able to easily clear off any ice buildup that may appear on your windshield after a bout of freezing rain. Also remember to follow the manufacturer's recommendations when mixing your antifreeze. It's important to maintain a 1:1 ratio of antifreeze to water to prevent the mixture itself from freezing.

Test the battery: Nothing is worse than being stuck out in the cold with a dead car battery. Unfortunately, older batteries can fail when it gets cold, so it's important to make sure that yours is in good shape. Batteries might last as long as six years in ideal weather conditions, but they could fail sooner, so be sure to swap yours out if it's been a while.

Maintain those tires: It's generally safer to install winter tires than to rely on the all-season tires that you've had on your car all summer. Winter tires are made of softer materials and are designed with more tread, allowing them to grip the road better in cold conditions. Just be sure to keep them inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

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