• Inspect belts and hoses; if they are more than four years old they may have to be replaced.
• Check antifreeze protection: important in preventing engine freeze-ups.
• Check tires and tire pressure: Good tires are essential on those snowy and icy roads.
• Check all lights and fluid levels.
• Check and/or replace wipers (consider snow blades).
• Add windshield washer fluid that's better in cold temperatures.
• Have the exhaust system checked; exhaust leaks will cause harmful carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment.
• Have your heater and defroster checked.
• Check to see that all maintenance services are up to date.
• If your battery is more than four years old, have it tested. An old or borderline battery may fail in extreme cold.
• Carry with you a winter emergency kit consisting of: a flashlight, gloves, hat, flares, blanket, small amount of sand or salt, drinking water, snacks, cell phone, ice scraper and a small shovel.
• Drive cautiously and slow over icy, snowy or leaf-covered roads.
• Make sure your vehicle is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.

Simple low cost maintenance now is much better than a major repair later.