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**Do you have a great tip to "Surviving the Season"? Let us know by emailing MorningShow@ksl.com**Coco Warner Reporting
Our recent storminess is giving us a winter wake-up call-- now's the time when you need to make sure your car is ready for the next several months.
Rolayne Fairclough, AAA of Utah: "If you are taking a trip in the wintertime, you really need to prepare for the unexpected."
Of course, no one expects to get stuck on the side, or even off the road in bad weather this winter, but it can happen. So what should you have in your car? Some items may seem fairly obvious-- like a blanket or extra wiper fluid. Others, maybe not so much.
Rolayne Fairclough: "Water, some extra food, flashlights, some tools, first aid kit and then kitty litter..."
And the kitty litter isn't necessarily for your stranded cat.
Rolayne Fairclough: "You can use kitty litter or sand or something like that if you want for traction."
Another suggestion? If you happen to get stuck in the snow, you can use your car mat for leverage for your tires to help you get unstuck.
Rolayne Fairclough: "Sometimes you can buy little kits, but you really can put these kits of emergency things together just from what you have around the house."
And of course you need to make sure your car is working properly: that includes your brakes, defroster, heater, lights and exhaust system. Also, check the tread on your tires and make sure they have the correct amount of pressure. And if you ever leave your car running to warm it up-- keep an extra key.
Rolayne Fairclough: "One of the most important things to do is always carry an extra key, because during the wintertime, you start your car, you get out to clean the windows and often times you lock yourself out. Just put an extra key in your pocket."
So, here's a checklist for your car:
- Prepare your vehicle
- Check your tires
- Keep a full tank of gas.
- Clear your windshield and windows.
- Carry an emergency kit.
- Include chains.
- And carry an extra ignition key.
Monday on Eyewitness News Today Coco will look at ways to save on heating costs for your home.
