In many parts of the country, the days are getting shorter, the leaves are falling and football season is in full swing, as winter's chill settles in for its annual inhospitable visit. Those either living in the Snow Belt or who plan to travel where the season's icy sting is pronounced need to prepare their vehicles for the abruptly changing or adverse weather conditions they'll encounter.

Here's a ten-point car-care checklist to follow before the mercury plunges any further:

1. Take charge. When the temperatures get cold, a strong battery is necessary to get a car or truck's engine started. Be sure to clean any corrosion at the terminals with a wire brush to be sure full power is being sent to the starter. Have a technician test the battery to see how well it holds a charge. Have the alternator - which powers a car's systems and accessories when the engine is running - checked at the same time. If the battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it as a precaution.

2. Seeing is believing. Always replace a vehicle's windshield wiper blades at the onset of winter. Ice and snow will take an added toll on a car's wipers, and if they're worn they won't do an adequate job of maintaining your outward visibility. Be sure to keep the windshield washer tank filled with de-icer fluid; plain water or standard washer fluid will solidify once the temperature dips below 32 F.

3. Warm up to coolant. Check the level and condition of a car or truck's radiator coolant (anti-freeze) before the temperatures dip. Ideally, the cooling system should be flushed and refilled every other year. Driving with depleted or low coolant levels is among the leading causes of engine problems during both the coldest and hottest months. Motorists can either have a service technician check it or can do it themselves via an inexpensive coolant tester found at most department- and auto-parts stores. If the fluid needs topping off, be sure to use an equal mixture of coolant and water.

4. Change the oil. Sound motoring already dictates that a vehicle's oil be changed according to a vehicle's maintenance schedule. It's good practice to change the lubricant along with the change in seasons. Multigrade oil is fine for most motorists, though those who live in extreme climates will want to switch to specific winter-grade oil for maximum protection.

5. Tend to tires. Using an inexpensive a tire-pressure gauge is all that's needed to ensure a vehicle's tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer's recommendations, including the spare. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, tire pressure can drop by as much as two pounds per square inch for every 10 degree F drop in temperature, and poorly inflated tires will adversely affect a vehicle's traction and handling. Those who own a sporty car that's equipped with low-profile performance tires should consider switching to all-season rubber for the winter; drivers living in a northern climate may want to install a set of snow tires.

6. Light the way. The change of season is a good time to ensure that all of a vehicle's lights are working properly, including the headlamps, taillights, turn signals, backup indicators, side-markers and map lights. Test the headlamps from time to time by shining them against a wall to see that they're properly aimed and be sure they're clean and/or clear of ice and snow before hitting the road to ensure maximum visibility.

7. Give a look. Visually check the conditions of hoses and belts to ensure that they're neither worn nor cracked and look underneath the vehicle for evidence of fluid or oil leaks. Even better, have a mechanic perform a thorough inspection.

8. Take the heat. This is almost too obvious to mention, but the dip in temperatures is a good time to check whether a vehicle's heater, defroster and rear defogger are in good operating condition.

9. Expect the unexpected. Be sure to pack an emergency kit in the trunk that's equipped with a set of battery-jumper cables, a good-quality snow/ice scraper and an extra jug of washer fluid. A portable shovel and a bag of kitty litter (to throw under the wheels for added traction) can come in handy if a vehicle becomes stuck in the snow. It's also a good idea to stow a blanket, heavy gloves and a set of boots, a flashlight, a first-aid kit and some energy bars to cover any worst-case scenarios.

10. Drive smart. Astute motorists always operate their vehicles according to the elements, slowing down as conditions worsen and leaving extra room between their cars and the traffic ahead. Brakes won't work as well under slippery conditions as they do on a dry road. Keep an eye out for frozen patches, especially on bridges and overpasses, which tend to freeze sooner than paved roads. Avoid using the vehicle's cruise control when the weather begins to turn ugly. And always drive with the headlamps on while out in foul weather, both to see better and be seen by other motorists.