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    If You Have to Drive in the Winter, Follow These 9 Safety Steps

    How to keep your car in top shape for tackling snow and ice

    When it comes to getting behind the wheel during wintry weather, it’s best, if you can, to reschedule your plans and stay home.

    More on winter safety

    But if heading out is unavoidable, you’ll want to make sure your car is ready for any challenges posed by wet, icy, or snowy conditions. You also need to prepare for situations that might leave you waiting for help in the cold. Here, advice from Jeff S. Bartlett, CR’s managing editor for autos, and Jennifer Stockburger, the director of CR’s Auto Test Center, about the best ways to prep your vehicle—and yourself.

    Click or hover over the dots (or tap on a mobile device) in the illustration below to reveal our tips.

    Click dots to learn more.

    Illustration: Chris Philpot

    Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the January 2022 issue of Consumer Reports On Health.