Is your car prepared for winter weather? According to the National Safety Council, there are several factors to consider before heading out on a holiday road trip. Make sure that you’re in the know by heeding the council’s advice, which follows:

Prep your car for winter with an annual checkup that includes:

• Checking the ignition, brakes, wiring, hoses and fan belts
• Changing and adjusting the spark plugs
• Checking the air, fuel and emission filters, and the PCV valve
• Inspecting the distributor
• Checking the battery
• Checking the tires for air, sidewall wear and tread depth (tried the penny test?)
• Checking the antifreeze level and the freeze line

Before hitting the road, be sure to pump a full tank of gas and freshen up on de-icer fluid. Just to be safe, you’ll also want to pack the following in your trunk: Spare tire with wheel wrench and tripod jack, shovel, jumper cables, tow chains, bag of salt (or kitty litter) for traction, tool kit, and a “survival kit.”

Your kit should contain all of the basics:

• Flashlight and batteries
• Reflective triangles
• Compass
• First aid kit
• Exterior windshield cleaner
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Wooden matches
• Scissors and string
• And lastly, non-perishable, high-energy foods like nuts, dried fruit and hard candies