By Tori Krogh and Mary Hayes

The first snow of this winter was late Monday night, Nov. 10. Iowa weather in the winter is not always the safest to drive in.

Scott Fulk, owner of Second Street Repair and Transmissions, said, “Cars are like humans. The colder it is, the stiffer they become.”

It is important that you make sure your car is ready before it snows. You need to check that your antifreeze is strong enough to withstand cold temperatures. Check all fluid levels under the hood, and make sure windshield washer is a winter blend fluid so it doesn’t freeze.

Letting your car warm up is important, especially during the winter. Now that it is getting cold, it is important to warm up your car for 5 to 10 minutes before you leave. This will give your engine time to get the oil circulating.  Also, it helps to put your car in the garage if possible.

Make sure that when roads are slick, you don’t make sudden change in direction. Gradually slow down before making a complete stop. If you are sliding, gently press on your breaks and turn into the slide.

When it is snowing, drivers education teacher Jeremy Blake said he will “use lower gears” and a reduce his speed.

While traveling out of town, it is important to make sure that you have supplies in your trunk. You may consider keeping an ice scraper, blankets, and even shovel in your trunk in case of an emergency.

Always remember to “slow down, and don’t be caught off guard by ice or snow,” said Fulk.