Soon the ice, snow and freezing temperatures will make us retreat under our blankets and sip hot chocolate — but we’re not the only ones who hate the cold.

Cars too will react to the dropping temperatures, and winterizing now will prevent problems this winter.

“Now is a good time. I would be doing it immediately,” said Marty Fay, president of the Corporation of Motor Works of DeKalb Inc. “If you haven’t done it already, you’ll run into trouble.”

Winterizing is a process in which various systems in a car are examined and tested to determine which parts need to be replaced and which ones will withstand the winter. It’ll cost you, but it will be less than towing it home if it konks out on you on a dark, deserted road during a snowstorm.

Mechanics will inspect many of your car’s components, such as the tire pressure and alignment, antifreeze, battery strength, alternators, drive axle boots, starter amps, windshield wiper condition, brakes and transmission. Special attention is given to the engine — mechanics will test spark plugs, air filter, temperature and the condition of the drive belt, coolant hose and axle boot condition.

After your car’s inspection, it’s a good idea to sit down with the mechanic and sort out which problems need to be fixed immediately, and which can wait until spring. Determining when things need to be repaired makes it easier for people to pay for winterizing.

If you have followed the maintenance schedule for your car in the owner’s manual, you’ll have less winter protection to worry about. However, for those who can’t remember when they last changed their oil, the winterizing process may prove to be more costly.

Lisa Panico, a junior elementary education major, explained why she hasn’t prepared her car for the cold weather.

“I guess I just don’t normally do it,” she said. “I’ll do it probably after something happens and I realize I probably should’ve done it.”

Kathleen Krolo, a visual resources librarian at the school of art, isn’t concerned with winterizing either, but only because she follows her owner’s guide monthly.

“All my oil changes and coolant changes are up to date, so that’s all I need to take care of,” she said.

Krolo made a suggestion for those who try to pull out of a slippery driveway or parking spot.

“You can’t stop on the ice if you don’t have tread on your tires,” she said. “Carry a 10-pound sack of kitty litter to put under your tires.”

Placing kitty litter directly behind or in front of the tires, depending on which direction you are heading, will provide traction over ice.