Number 6: Look closely at your tread.... ...and replace tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch or greater on all tires. Number 5: Check your battery When the temperature drops, so does battery power. For gasoline or diesel engines, be aware that it takes more battery power to start your vehicle in cold weather than in warm weather. For electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, the driving range is reduced and the battery systems work better after they warm up. Make sure your battery is up to the challenges of winter by:

Having your mechanic check your battery for sufficient voltage, amperage and reserve capacity.

Having the charging system and belts inspected.

Replacing the battery or making system repairs, including simple things like tightening the battery cable connections.

Making sure to keep fresh gasoline in a hybrid-electric vehicle, to support the gasoline engine.

Continue to keep counting down the ten ways to make your car winter-ready -- and avoid killing yourself or someone else.