With colder temperatures across Iowa, now is a good time to check your vehicle and get it winterized.

Nick Lestina with McAtee Tire and Service in Jefferson says two critical items to check for is making sure your vehicle has a good battery and there’s plenty of antifreeze fluid.  Not having a properly functioning battery can cause a shortage internally.  Batteries should be replaced every five to six years.  It is recommended that antifreeze fluid should be a 50/50 mix of water and coolant, with most antifreeze graded for 32 degrees below zero.

Other tips for winterizing your vehicle include making sure tire pressure is at the manufacturer’s specifications.  During the winter, Lestina says tires can drop as much as three to four pounds of pressure.  He also suggests having properly working windshield wipers and when it comes to different types of wiper fluid, Lestina points out that any fluid will be sufficient for winter travel.

Finally, allow your vehicle some time to warm up when it’s below freezing.  Lestina says when the vehicle’s temperature gauge begins to move, that’s when you know it’s properly warmed up.