Breaking down is never any driver’s idea of fun, and winter weather raises the stakes. Dropping temperatures, early nightfall, and low visibility can make stopping on the side of the road difficult during colder months. While nothing can replace safe driving habits and a well-stocked emergency kit, you can avoid some worst-case winter scenarios by following these easy car maintenance tips.

The Problem: Car Overheating
As surprising as it seems, overheating is a real problem in the winter. Motor oil runs thicker in cold temperatures, making it harder to circulate and keep your car running smoothly—and prevent it from overheating.

Prevent It: A “multi-viscosity” motor oil will better adapt to all weather conditions. Ask your mechanic or call your car manufacturer’s customer service line to find out if you should do a winter oil change. They may recommend switching to thinner oil that’s rated for colder temperatures.

The Problem: Dead Battery
Car batteries are more difficult to charge in winter, meaning they might not produce enough energy to start your car when you turn the key.

Prevent It: Check your battery’s voltage with a voltmeter or multimeter before it gets too cold. (Or ask your mechanic to take a look when you’re getting your car winterized.) Roughly 12.40–12.75 volts is enough to ensure reliable startups, according to Leanse. If you live in a chilly place, consider investing in a battery rated for cold temperatures. Look for a high CCA (cold cranking amps) count—it measures how many amps the battery can generate in low temperatures.

The Problem: Squealing Noise When You Start The Car
You left your vehicle out overnight. Your engine won’t turn over, you hear loud squealing, warning lights come on, or steam starts pouring from under the hood shortly after you turn it on. Any one of these things may mean that your radiator has frozen and cracked, leading to costly repairs.

Prevent It: Park indoors if you can. This will help prevent fluids in your engine from freezing and expanding. Also, be sure to check your car’s coolant concentration before winter—it’s called antifreeze for a reason. Add it to your mechanic’s pre-winter checklist to make sure the proportions are correct and keep it from freezing. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water should be sufficient.

The Problem: Bald Or Under-Inflated Tires
Your tires are in contact with the road, so keeping them maintained for winter driving is essential, especially when roads are slick and icy. Treads help channel snow and water away from the contact patch to help your car grip the road, and proper tire pressure allows your vehicle to dig into loose surfaces (like a snowy road). Without either, your vehicle may have trouble staying on the road or coming to a stop when you hit the brakes.

Prevent It: Check your tires before winter weather hits, and continue doing so regularly after it gets cold. They must stay properly inflated, as the air pressure can drop 2 PSI every 10 degrees, and the outdoor air temperatures decrease. Use a gas station air pump to check your tires at every other fill-up during the winter. (The recommended PSI is typically printed on a sticker inside the driver’s-side door.) It’s also crucial to make sure the tread isn’t worn down. To do so, try this easy trick: Stick a penny into the center of the tread with Lincoln’s head pointed in. If you can see his hair, the tread depth is too low, and your tires need to be replaced. Spring is for dedicated winter tires if you live in a place with severe weather.