Cold weather offers unique challenges for drivers and their cars, too, from slick roadways that are easy to spin out on to lower temps that cause batteries to die, doors to freeze and windows to fog.

Traffic jams due to snow-related accidents may leave drivers stranded and running low on gas, warmth, and patience.

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Follow these simple maintenance and safety tips to ensure a terrific ride for the whole family all winter long.

Have an Emergency Kit Handy
When the temperatures drop, take a few minutes to gather the following items and stow them in your trunk, especially if you live in more isolated area. It may take time for roadway assistance to arrive. Flares, a flashlight, extra socks, a warm blanket, extra gloves, bottled water, handy packaged snacks, jumper cables, and an ice scraper are items you’ll be glad you have if you are suddenly stranded.

An extra car charger tucked in the glove box will ensure you have enough phone battery to make calls to emergency services or family and friends, too.

Use the Proper Oil
For the winter months, you’ll want to switch to a thinner oil, known as lower viscosity (thickness) oil, if you live in colder climates. If you use a 10W-30 oil in the summer, try moving to a 5W-30 when doing an early winter oil change. When in doubt, refer to your car’s manual, or talk to an auto professional.

Use the Right Coolant, Too
Coolant not only keeps your engine from overheating, which you won’t worry about so much when the snow starts falling, but it also protects your engine against corrosion. Make sure you are using a coolant that contains ethylene glycol. For most vehicles, a ratio for winter is 60 percent coolant to 40 percent water. Ask a professional for the exact ratio for your car, and make sure you check your owner’s manual — some engines can only take a specific type of coolant.

Use Your Snow Tires
Winter presents potentially dangerous driving conditions — snow, sleet and ice. Many car makers suggest changing all four tires for winter; otherwise, all-season tires are the way to go, though they won’t be specialized snow tires. If you live in an area that is consistently snowy and icy during the winter months, studded tires are an option. Your fuel efficiency and handling of the vehicle won’t be quite as good with heavy-weather tires, but they will make your traction better on dangerous roadways.

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Check Your Battery Capacity
Your car battery’s capacity is reduced in cold weather. A thorough examination of your battery, cables, fluid, and terminals will serve you well all winter long. Check your cables for cracks and breaks, and make sure the terminals fit snugly. Check your battery fluid by uncovering the refill hole. If the level is below the bottom of the cap, refill with distilled water. Know your manufacturer date, so you will know when it’s time for a new one. (Never buy a battery that 6 months older or older.) Average battery life is anywhere from two to five years, depending on factors like average climate and distance car is driven. Consider buying a battery charger (starting at about $30), which will allow you to jump-start your car without another car present.

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Watch Your Windshield
Select a washer fluid with antifreeze. Cars and trucks on the road in front of you that kick up heavy snow and grime can be a dangerous hazard, so keeping fluid filled is a top priority all winter long. Check your manual or with a professional. Some fluids with antifreeze can damage car paint.

Have a De-icer
Stock a tube of de-icer (simple glycerin in a tube) in your desk drawer at work and at home, in case your door locks freeze up. Discount stores, auto stores, and even many convenience stores keep de-icer stocked during the winter. If you use a battery-operated fob to start your later model car, keep it at room temperature when possible. A cold fob will sometimes be unable to unlock your car, or start it.

Check the Heater and Defroster Units
Solve problems with your car heater and defroster before the really cold temperatures set in. A cold driver is a distracted driver, and sometimes being bundled up just isn’t enough. If your defroster is working but your car is still fogging up, have your car checked for air leaks around the windows and doors that could be letting in extra moisture.

Keep Your Gas Tank Full, or Nearly Full 
Cold and constantly shifting temperatures can cause condensation to form on the walls of your gas tank. If your tank is close to empty, that condensation (water, which is heavier than gas) will drip down into the fuel lines, eventually. If it does, it will freeze up as the temperature drops, and block the flow of gas to the engine. This can be a pretty costly repair — more costly than keeping your tank needle on “F.”

Break the Brake Habit
When possible, avoid using your parking brake in below-freezing weather. It may freeze in the locked position, leaving you immobile until it thaws.

Warm it Up
If your vehicle has been outside for more than an hour, start it and let it warm up a few minutes before driving, to allow fluids (oil, transmission fluid, etc.) to warm up, too.

Check Your Tire pressure
Check your tire pressure weekly, if possible, to prevent a flat. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, you lose a pound of tire pressure.

Garage It
If you’ve got one, use it — park your car in the garage. If you don’t have a garage, select a place that is protected from wind, and park your vehicle so the front grille is turned away from the wind. Or, place a piece of cardboard or a tarp over the grille to protect the engine.

Practice Snow Driving
Skids and swerves in the snow can be nerve-wracking and very dangerous. If possible, find a deserted parking lot and practice handling skids and slides in controlled way. Turning your wheel in the direction of the skid and taking foot off both gas and brake will soon set you straight again. AAA.Oregon.com relates that drivers’ reactions are more critical in winter. “Exposure alone changes the equation drastically,” AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson said. “The key is to make good decisions and drive according to conditions.”