As winter approaches, CarMax offers advice on how to make sure your vehicle is ready for cold weather.

 CarMax's automotive service technicians offer these ten winterizing tips:

 1.  Check your anti-freeze.  The best ratio of anti-freeze to water is
     50/50.  Flush the cooling system every two years.

 2.  Replace your windshield wiper blades annually.  Fill the windshield
     washer reservoir with washer fluid (plain water will freeze), and keep
     an extra gallon in the trunk.

 3.  Check your battery.  If the battery is more than three years old, have
     a professional test its ability to hold a charge through the winter.
     Make sure the battery terminal ends are corrosion-free.  Check the
     water level in the battery and top it off with distilled water, if
     necessary.

 4.  Check your tire pressure.  Check the pressure when the tires are cold,
     and set the pressure to manufacturer recommendations for your specific
     tires.  When the weather is cold, the air inside the tire will
     contract and the pressure will drop.

 5.  Look at the tread depth on your tires.  Put a penny headfirst between
     the treads.  If you can still see the top of Lincoln's hair, it's time
     to replace the tire.

 6.  Check your spare tire.  Make sure it has the proper air pressure and
     tread depth and that all the proper tire-changing equipment is in the
     trunk.

 7.  Check that your lights, heater, and defroster are working properly.

 8.  Check all rubber hoses and belts to ensure they are not damaged or
     loose.  When the engine is cool, run your hands along the hoses and
     squeeze each inch to make sure the hoses are not crunchy or wet.
     Alternatively, have a professional inspect the hoses and belts.

 9.  Get a brake check if you haven't had one in the last six months.

 10. Assemble a winter emergency kit for the trunk of your car.  It should
     include a blanket, extra boots and gloves, an ice scraper, jumper
     cables, a first-aid kit, flares, a small snow shovel, a flashlight,
     kitty litter (for traction when stuck in the snow), and bottled water.