The ease of summer driving has been replaced by winter driving conditions, and with that comes some additional vehicle care needs as well.

If you haven't already done so, John Schmidt, owner and manager of JS Autozone in Reinfeld, recommends having winter tires installed and having a wheel alignment done for increased safety. 

"Wheel alignments are crucial," says Schmidt. He says if your wheels aren't straight, and you hit a patch of ice, you will find out very quickly. "It will yank your vehicle from side to side, and it will be a huge safety concern."

As for how often you should have a wheel alignment check, Schmidt says it's a good idea to have the alignment inspected for sure every 1 or 2 years.

With the cold weather upon us, Schmidt also recommends having an overall inspection of your vehicle done to ensure it's winter ready. He says winterizing includes things like making sure your coolant is strong enough for the cold, your windshield washer fluid is switched over so it won't freeze up, and having your block heater and battery tested. "It's all very essential for your vehicle to make it through the cold and start."

Schmidt says it may be considered a luxury, but having command start in your vehicle can also help keep your engine running well through the cold winter months. "The convenience of a warm vehicle is huge . . . but I believe preheating the engine a little bit is crucial to things not breaking." Schmidt says letting your vehicle run for at least five minutes before heading out into the cold, will also go a long way in preventing damage. He says you risk having a hydraulic hose burst if you drive immediately after a cold start.

Schmidt says plugging your vehicle in also helps to pre-heat your engine.