Wintertime is beautiful scenery for the eyes. It can be devastating to a car though, especially if the car is not inspected and prepared for the winter driving season. Have the car tuned up with a checklist before the snow hits and the car will drive with a peace of mind.

Brakes are essential for stopping on the icy roads to avoid pedestrians and even accidents with other cars. If the brakes are not equal, they could cause the car to lean to one side and skid on the roads.

The cooling system in the car also must be checked. This includes belts, containers, pressure caps, hoses and the thermostats so that everything is in working order. Flush the system with a chemical cleaner and add in anti freeze before the snow hits the ground.

When you look at your brand new car, you say to yourself, -I’m going to keep this one clean.- You mean it when you say it, but it hardly ever pans out that way. It doesn’t take long for a clean and organized car to go down the wrong road and end up a wreck.

Here are the keys to a clean and organized car:

– Vacuum the interior of your car regularly, at least once a month. Dirt and grit work the same way in your car’s carpet fibers as they do in your living room, they build up and breakdown the fibers. An extension cord and a shop vac will do the trick at home. Most gas stations and car washes have vacuums as well. A hand-held vacuum (or -dust buster-) works well on seats.