GETTING the car ready for winter now can save you a lot of headaches and money later. So while you are changing your wardrobe, and making other personal and business adjustments, you should take time to winterize your car.

Check The Battery

The same battery that started the car with ease during the summer months loses some of its spark in the winter. At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, batteries lose 35 percent of their power, according to the Automobile Association of America (AAA), and fall off even further as the temperature drops.

Keep the battery's terminals clean, and if the battery is more than two years old, have a technician check the charging system to ensure it is ready for the cold. If there are signs of a weak battery, such as a grinding sound when the ignition is turned on, have the ear examined by a specialist.

Tire Safety Counts

Tire care is important for all seasons, but is magnified in the winter months. Tires should be inspected and rotated regularly.

Since tires become deflated as the temperature drops, it's important to monitor their pressure. Use a gauge to check the pressure when the tires are cold.

Rotation is crucial to the longevity of tires. And there's an added benefit to keeping tires up to par: fuel efficiency. When tires are inflated properly, cars have less resistance to overcome to move forward, and therefore use less fuel, according to AAA, to help to ease the pain of soaring gas costs.

Belts And Hoses Need Attention

Hoses, the arteries of a car's cooling system, are especially vulnerable to cold weather. Examine the hoses carefully and make sure there are no leaks, bulges or cracks. Broken belts are a driver's worst nightmare during any season because the engine will not work without them, and being stranded on a snowy, winter night can double the frustration. Try to prevent this fate by simply opening the hood to make sure the belts are tight; they should not flex more than a half an inch.

Fill The Fluids

To keep the car running smoothly this winter, oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid and coolant must be kept clean and plentiful. Oil, which lubricates the engine, should be checked and changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Also make sure the transmission and brake fluids are at proper levels.

Despite the chill outside, cars can overheat in the winter if they run low on or out of coolant. Coolant is also necessary to produce heat for the car. If the coolant has not been changed in more than two years, have the system flushed. When adding coolant, mix an equal part of water.

The gas tank should be kept close to full during the winter months to prevent frozen gas lines. Add a bottle of de-icer to the tank as a backup. Don't let the motor idle for more than a few minutes because it wastes gas and can damage the engine.