MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With temperatures dipping back down to the single digits, your home isn't the only place that needs extra attention. Just as you may winterize a house, your car needs special care as well.

Inspecting your tires can improve your traction as the roads get slicker. If your tires are starting to bald, losing their treads due to routine use, check to see if they need replacing with this trick. Insert a penny between the treads of the tire, with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, replace the tire. Paying close attention to tire pressure can improve your safety on the road. Cold temperatures can cause your tires to under-inflate and make your tire pressure light come on. Driving on under-inflated tires may increase tire wear and decrease gas mileage. Tire pressure can easily be monitored with a tire pressure gauge that can be purchased cheaply at gas stations, auto shops and convenience stores. Consult with your car's manual for the the correct pressure level, the number listed on the tire may be the maximum amount allowed.

When it comes to the windshield, preparation ahead of time can save you stress in inclement weather. Check your wiper fluid levels, in the winter you may use more than other seasons and consider keeping extra bottles of fluid in the car. In icy conditions, your wiper blades may crack if they freeze to the glass. Replace all torn wiper blades to improve your vision on the road. If you know ahead of time that a snow or ice storm is coming, keeping your blades lifted off the windshield will make cleaning it easier and prevent icy buildup from clinging to the blades. As tempting as it may be to just pour hot water on the windshield to clear it, don't! The hot water could crack the cold glass.

A lock de-icer can be an invaluable tool on frigid mornings, just be sure to keep it in your home where it will be easily accessible instead of leaving it in your car. For lighter cars, keeping bags of salt, kitty litter or sand in the trunk may help weigh down the back end and prevent fishtailing. If you get stuck in a snow bank or icy area and cannot get solid traction, sprinkling some of it under your tires may help you get a grip on the road.

An emergency car kit with a shovel, blanket, flashlight, water, jumper cables, first aid kit, flares, battery powered air compressor and tow chain or rope can prevent a minor inconvenience from becoming a major problem.

For more winter car care tips, visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency website.