Having your car break down is always inconvenient, but car problems in the winter can actually be dangerous. First Choice Insurance, a car insurance company serving drivers throughout the Fairfield, OH, area, has some winter car maintenance tips that will help you stay safe all season long.

Even though winter has already set in, it's not too late to:

• Address Any Existing Problems: Whether your car is starting hard or stalling out, you should have these problems taken care of before major winter weather sets in. Extreme cold often makes these problems worse, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road.
• Replace Your Coolant: Check the specifications in your owner's manual, and flush or refill your coolant as necessary. While you're at it, check the tension and quality of your belts, clamps, and hoses.
• Stock Up Your Trunk: Make sure you've got road flares, blankets, a radio, an ice scraper, and maybe even some food, just in case you find yourself snowed in.
• Switch Out Your Tires: Snow tires provide greater traction and control on snowy, icy roads, which can make the difference between getting home safely and getting into an accident.
• Check Your Battery: Cold weather also makes it more difficult for old, weak batteries to start your car, so have it checked and get it replaced if necessary.

First Choice Insurance specializes in providing affordable, high-risk insurance for drivers who may find it difficult to obtain coverage from traditional companies. Visit their website to learn more, or call (513) 860-0666 for auto insurance quotes today.