Staying safe behind the wheel during the cold months can be challenging.

According to a press release from the DeKalb Fire Department, drivers can avoid many dangerous problems by planning ahead.

Drivers should have maintenance checks on their cars as often as the manufacturer recommends. In addition, every fall drivers should have the radiator serviced, check the antifreeze level with an antifreeze tester and add antifreeze if needed.

“We mostly check the antifreeze tank to make sure it isn’t frozen,” said Jon Jones, assistant manager of Illini Tire, 1031 W. Lincoln Highway. “Since antifreeze is a water mixture, it tends to freeze easily.”

For safety, drivers should replace windshield wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture and keep the gas tank near full in order to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Drivers should also replace all worn tires while making sure that the air pressure in the tires is adequate, especially during winter months.

“The tire pressure drops during cold months about a pound every one to two degrees so it is important to keep them filled,” Jones said. “Most people don’t do it since pretty much all tires are all-season these days, but we also special order snow tires for customers if they want.”

Vern Kuhlman, owner of D.R.I.V.E. Automotive, 849 South Fourth St., recommends having your car looked at as much as possible.

“Every car is different and requires different things, so we usually go off the manufacturers’ specified maintenance,” Kuhlman said. “Pay for it now rather than having to pay for a general problem or a tow later on.”

The DeKalb Fire Department press release suggests to carry blankets, a first aid kit, a windshield scraper, road maps, a compass, paper towels, tow rope, a flashlight and brightly colored cloth in your car.

“When venturing out in the cold you should probably have a blanket in the car in order to stay warm just in case you get stranded,” said assistant fire chief Scott Love. “It’s better to be safe than sorry, and you never know what can happen on the roads.”

For more information, visit the U.S. Fire Administration’s website.