Last January, on a cold winter morning, a customer visited our service department to have her car's heater repaired.

An alert service adviser noticed a candle resting on the dashboard.

Asked why, the customer admitted to using it to keep warm since the heater stopped working. A lit candle in a car is dangerous, and she was quickly informed about the hazard.

Another story from last winter concerns a motorist driving along the Trans-Canada Highway. His car broke down in a snowstorm between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, leaving him stranded.

The driver was totally unprepared. He carried no flare, blanket, gloves or matches in the car. His cellphone was out of range. By the time a driver stopped to offer assistance, the stranded motorist was freezing and frightened.

These stories show the importance of being prepared for winter driving.

As a believer in planning, I don't like to cruise into cold weather without knowing that my car is ready to handle the harsh conditions ahead.

Here are some tips to help you reduce the odds of becoming a victim of winter driving:

• Make sure your vehicle has the right antifreeze in the radiator. Antifreeze that doesn't meet Ontario winter conditions could result in a frozen radiator, radiator hose and/or engine block.
• Replace summer windshield wiper fluid with fluid that can withstand lower temperatures. A weak blend (or water) could end up damaging your hoses and wiper motor in freezing weather.
• Some engine oils are better for cold weather than others and allow working parts to operate with less strain. Ask your service adviser for the recommended oil for your vehicle.
• It's always a good idea to include the following items in your trunk: foldable shovel, first-aid kit, spare tire, windshield scraper, jumper cables, hats, gloves and flashlight.
• Keep your fuel tank filled up. If the gasoline level runs too low, condensation can form in the tank, which can freeze the gas lines. As well, if you find yourself lost (especially in a rural area), you'll appreciate having a full tank. Adding gas line antifreeze every second or third fill-up prevents moisture from condensing in the tank.
• Applying a fresh coat of wax helps repel road salt, makes washing easier and adds to a car's appearance. You're protecting your investment.
• Replace floor mats with new rubber mats. In winter, traditional floor mats will absorb lots of snow and water, which work their way into the frame and can corrode the metal and wiring.
• Check your battery. If it's several years old, have a mechanic look at it. Summer heat adds to battery wear and tear, shortening its lifespan. Corrosion around the terminals can be a sign of excessive wear.
• Consider a block heater. In severe cold (-20C and below), a block heater will keep your engine oil warm, which leads to easier starting.
• Check the condition of your tires. Poor tread can pose a safety risk, especially on cold, icy roads. If your all-season tires slip, consider buying snow tires, which all dealers sell. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the owner's manual will suggest buying four snow tires, not two. Check your tire pressure, too. (Watch for an upcoming column about tires and tire safety.)
• Make sure your spare is properly inflated. We hear stories all the time about motorists who have a flat and discover their spare is soft, which can be a major inconvenience in winter.
• Consider putting a bag of sand or gravel in your trunk to give you extra traction on snowy or slippery surfaces.

If you want to be certain that your vehicle is ready for winter, take it to a new-car dealership before the snow flies.  

Dealers will do what's necessary to help you reduce the risk of mechanical failure or becoming stranded on a cold winter day.  

One thing I would never recommend under any circumstances is lighting a candle inside your car. I'm still shaking my head over that one.