East County folk with a taste for winter recreation have it good. We don't need to scrape snow off our windshields or shovel it off our driveways before heading for the slopes. We can drive to the snow when we feel like it. But do our cars feel like it?

The cooler days of fall are an excellent time for East County residents to prepare their vehicles for the potential ravages of winter driving in the mountains. According to the experts at the nonprofit National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), "Cold weather will only make existing problems worse."

A few minutes in the garage this fall could help prevent a much more time-consuming and unpleasant experience this winter. First, read your owner's manual and follow the manufacturer's recommended service schedules. No one knows your car better than the company that manufactured it.

Here's an easy and simple checklist:

Motor Oil

The easiest way to protect and improve the performance of your car is to upgrade to high-performance synthetic motor oil and change it regularly. Synthetic motor oils have better low-temperature fluidity and a lower coefficient of friction than mineral-based motor oils. This will help ensure easier start-ups on cold days.

Some motor oils, such as Royal Purple, are formulated with molecules that chemically bond with engine components for continuous engine protection. Additionally, Royal Purple motor oil has been proven in independent tests to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and increase horsepower and torque. Data about independent testing of the product is available at

www.royalpurpleinfo.com.

Tires

Worn tires can be dangerous on rain, snow and ice. Examine tires for remaining tread life and uneven wear. Be sure to check the sidewalls for cuts and nicks as well. All-season radials or winter tires are a wise investment for those who must drive in inclement weather regularly. Check tire pressure once a month and rotate tires as recommended by the manufacturer. Don't forget to check your spare and be sure the jack functions properly.

Cooling System

If your coolant hasn't been changed in a couple years, it's time for a flush and refill. The level, condition and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically. A 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water is usually recommended. Additionally, the condition of hoses should be checked for cracks and leaks.

Windshield Wipers

Check the condition of your wiper blades and replace them if needed. If you're planning trips to the Sierra this winter, purchase rubber-clad winter blades to fight ice build-up. Stock up on winter-formula windshield washer solvent. You'll be surprised by how much you use. If you don't have an ice-scraper, buy one before you need to use it.

Battery

A dead battery can take the fun out of winter sports in an instant. If your battery is beyond its recommended service life, replace it. Top any low battery cells with distilled water. Clean and tighten battery terminals to ensure electricity gets from the battery to the starter on chilly mornings. If corrosion is present, clean it with a mixture of baking soda and water, and put on a set of battery washers to keep corrosion from coming back. Make sure the battery terminals and hold-downs are tight. It's also good to clean and lubricate hinges and the hood latch.

Fuel

It's important to keep gas lines from freezing in cold weather. No vehicle can run if it can't get fuel. A full gas tank will help prevent moisture and ice from forming. For especially cold temperatures, use a fuel de-icer to prevent fuel lines from freezing. A block heater is an inexpensive and easy-to-use option.

Properly preparing your car for winter is simple and doesn't require a lot of time or technical expertise. The payback in improved performance and reduced risk of a breakdown - especially on a remote mountain road - is well worth the effort.