Winter's only just begun, and already we've seen a lot of Medford area drivers here at Southern Oregon Subaru Volvo Mitsubishi getting their cars ready for the season. If you haven't winterized your car yet, don't worry, there's still time. And, we have a few tips to help get you started.

There's really no telling how icy or snowy the roads will be this year, Mother Nature sure does have a way of sneaking up on us! But first, a good set of all-season tires with decent tread on them are usually fine to get through the winter months. But, if you do a lot of driving, we recommend investing in a winter tires. Either way, they should be properly inflated. If they're under-inflated, that causes more friction between the road and the tire, making them wear faster and unevenly, which, in turn, reduces traction during slippery conditions.

Of course, you should always stay up to date on your oil changes, but it's even more important in the winter. In cold weather, the oil in your car will thicken up, and if it's moving too slowly, your engine can overheat. Your owner's manual will have the best recommendation for the type of oil to use in cold weather. It's a simple step that could save you from being stranded in cold weather!

And then there's your car's battery. When temperatures begin to drop, your engine has to work harder, which puts more pressure on the battery. And, according to American Automobile Association, a battery loses 35 percent of its power at freezing temperatures, and when it hits zero degrees, your battery could be operating with 60-percent less power. It's also estimated that you'll need a new battery for your vehicle every five years or so, so it's important to know how old your battery is. You can also minimize the strain on your vehicle by starting the car with the heaters, lights and defrosters turned off. Not sure how much life is left in your battery? A certified mechanic can check it for you.

There are a few other tricks to keep you safe on the road this winter: check your windshield washer fluid levels and put winter wipers on for optimal visibility when the weather gets nasty. And, in case of the worst, keep an emergency kit in your vehicle - an ice scraper, extra washer fluid and oil, flares, a flashlight, and extra coat or a blanket can make all the difference if you find yourself stranded during a storm.

One last, very simple trick to keep Jack Frost off your back - keep your fuel tank topped off. The constantly shifting temperatures of winter can cause condensation to form on the inside of your fuel tank once it drops below half a tank. The resulting drips of water are heavier than gasoline and will sink to the bottom of the tank, and if they make their way into the gas line (which is likely), they can freeze up and block gas from getting to your engine. Needless to say, repairing damage caused by condensation in your gas tank is costly, so you're better off keeping your tank above the half-full mark.

Remember, the team here at Southern Oregon Subaru Volvo Mitsubishi is here to help. So if you have any questions about getting your car ready for winter, need a new set of winter tires, or think it might be time to check your battery, don't hesitate to make a service appointment via our website, today. As always, you can swing by and see us at 3013 Biddle Rd Medford, OR 97504 or give us a call at (877) 597-8594, and we'll be happy to answer any of your questions.