Winterizing your car is a financial necessity: 4 tips

Prepping your car for the winter is vital to staying safe on slick roadways, but it can also reduce your chances of taking a hit to the pocketbook.

A little advance spending in the fall can prevent some severe financial pain in the winter. Here are four tips for winterizing your car to limit the chances of expensive repairs:

• Check your battery. In Michigan, for example, where motorists already have had to grapple with a major winter storm, about 24% of AAA service calls during the winter are due to battery problems.

“Having the battery checked by a professional — that’s something simple, that doesn’t take much time out of your day,” said Chris Afram, service manager of Firestone Complete Auto Care in Hackensack, N.J.

Avoiding a dead battery can reduce your chances of missing work and limit the possibility of an unexpected expense for towing or a jump-start.

Oil change costs may be headed for steep drop

• Consider winter tires. Did you know that some sports cars and vehicles sold in warm climates come with summer tires? That’s a formula for problems in the winter.

“Just be aware of the tires that are on your car — are they fit for the conditions you’re going to be driving in?” Bridgestone tire education specialist Chris Welty said. "When is it time to put your winter tires on? When you can see your breath."

Some tire stores will help you rent out storage space for summer tires so you don’t have to buy new tires a few months later.

Welty also cautioned against letting air out of your tires to try to improve traction. That’s a common winter myth, he said. It can cause tires to become misshapen, creating what he called a dangerous “snowboard” effect on the road.

Vacationers can cash in on hypermilers' tips

• Check your tire tread. Even if you’ve got the right tires, it’s critical to check the tread depth. The old-fashioned way is to stick a penny in the tread. If Lincoln’s head is completely visible, it’s time to change tires.

But “modern tires have a tread wear indicator” that can be checked, as well, Welty said. Google your tire type to understand how to read it. Most tires come with 10/32nds of an inch of tread depth. Once they get to 2/32nds of an inch, it's time for new tires.

• Get your fluids checked. If you’re on a tight budget, the best way to spend your money is to get your fluids checked by a professional to prevent thickening, Afram said.

And don’t forget to get regular car washes during the winter to prevent salt from building up underneath the vehicle. Otherwise, your car can fall prey to corrosion.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Nathan Bomey on Twitter @NathanBomey.