Check the lights. Walk around the outside of the car and check the operation of all lights:

Replace wiper blades. The purpose of wiper blades is to completely clear the windshield.

Make sure heater/defroster work. Driving with an improperly working heater isn’t fun or safe

Have the battery checked. A fully charged battery is necessary to start the car in cold weather.

Inspect under the hood. Looking under the hood will allow you to identify any obvious signs of wear or items that need replacing or fixing

Change oil and air filter. If the oil is dirty or you’re at your recommended oil change time, change the oil

Refill cooling system. Experts such as AAA recommend checking the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold.

Check all fluid levels. This includes washer fluid, along with transmission, brake and power steering fluids

Get a good car wash/detail. It may sound crazy, spiffing up your car with an extra-special wash or even a detail, but when your vehicle is clean, it’s easier to spot any potential problems.