No question about it, winter is hard on your car. You've got ice. You've got salt. And the last thing you want to worry about is getting stranded on the side of the road.

It's important to plan ahead so you don't find yourself with a car that won't start. You should know your battery has a much tougher job during extreme conditions. Your car's engine and other parts require more power to start up in cold weather, and yet it's harder to get power from your battery in the cold. components - resulting in reduced battery life.

The older the car, the greater chance for problems. Combine that with an old battery and frigid weather, and you're asking for trouble.

To be on the safe side, you should get your battery tested. Better yet, if you live in a harsh climate, consider replacing your battery if you think it's getting old. A brand new battery can see you through the toughest of winters.

Other Tips:

• Park your car in a garage whenever possible.

• If you must leave your car outside all day, find a few minutes a couple of times during the day to go out and start it. Letting your car run for a few minutes will warm up the parts and improve the chances of it starting later.

• Cars are designed to handle temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit, but in much colder weather, you should avoid leaving your car out for an extended period of time.

• Try the Battery Health Checkup on this Web site to see how long your battery is expected to last.