As we come into the Winter season it is especially important to keep our cars maintained. We may not get extreme weather here in Florida but on occasion we get a cold snap that could affect the health of your car. Here are our top ten tips to avoid costly damage to your vehicle in this upcoming cold season.

1. Dirty air filters can cause your engine to run at less than peak efficiency. It's easy to spot a dirty air filter, and replace it.
2. Tune up an engine that is not running perfectly and it will help start your car during the winter. Have any problems diagnosed and repaired before the onset of colder weather.
3. Check your car's heating system. Carefully check the radiator for leaks and debris. Also, check the radiator and heater hoses, and replace any that are worn, cracked, brittle or mushy.
4. Oil is our car's lifeblood, and winter is especially hard on your engine oil. Make sure you change your oil and use the correct weight for you car and climate. This will aid in starting.
5. Top off your windshield fluid regularly. You'd be surprised how much you use in the winter and early spring.
6. December is a good month to take a close look at your tires in preparation for upcoming summer travel. Check your owner's manual for your vehicle's proper interval and rotation sequence.
7. Do your brakes feel as sure as they did when they were new? Brakes should be inspected at least twice a year. The best times are just before summer and winter to prevent problems in extreme temperatures. Tuffy provides free brake inspections.
8. Engine coolant protects a vehicle's cooling system from temperature extremes and helps prevent the radiator form overheating during hot weather, or from freezing during cold weather.
9. Check your automatic transmission fluid. It protects against transmission breakdown and contains additives that prevent corrosion system wear and oxidation.
10. Oil that does not have a "W" in its thickness rating might make the engine crank too slow to start.