NORTHBROOK, Ill., Nov. 21 -- A recent survey commissioned by the Car Care Council found 70 percent of people admitted to not winterizing their vehicle. In fact, AAA estimates vehicle breakdowns top 5 million during the winter holiday season alone. Winter is right around the corner which may mean snow, ice and dangerous driving conditions are on their way as well.

"I learned how to drive in the Midwest, famous for some of the most extreme winter weather conditions," said Danica Patrick, IndyCar(R) Series sensation. "This taught me that harsh weather can be very hard on a car. You're risking a breakdown if you don't take the time to prepare your vehicle for the winter, even if you don't have your own pit crew."

Basic guidelines to follow for keeping your car running smoothly during winter include:

1. Check your antifreeze. Without adequate antifreeze, your car's engine,
radiator and hoses are not suitably protected from freezing.
2. Prepare an emergency kit. Pack a flashlight, jumper cables, tire chains
and tool kit. Also, throw a heavy bag of sand in the trunk. In the
event that the road is too icy, the extra weight will help you get
better traction.
3. Check your battery! Harsh weather can cut a battery's life in half so
make sure to check it before the weather hits.
4. Change your wipers. Check for signs of cracking or tearing and replace
if there is evidence of streaking or smearing. If you live in an area
with severe weather conditions, consider specialized winter wiper
blades made to withstand the harshest of conditions.
5. Keep tires at the proper pressure. Having a tire gauge is very
inexpensive and easy to keep in your glove box. This is just like
checking the tires on your bike, except you don't have to do the
pumping. Also consider specialized winter tires if you live in an area
that suffers from extreme winter weather.
6. Keep the gas tank at least half full. This is important to prevent gas
lines from freezing.

Most people mistakenly believe they need their local mechanic to prepare their car for the changing season. It can be done at home easily by choosing the right products. And, it can help save time and money.

"For nearly 60 years, the PEAK(R) brand has been trusted by millions of consumers worldwide to deliver maximum performance at reasonable prices. We are constantly talking with our consumers to develop products that meet their needs," said Josh Russell, PEAK Antifreeze, Brand Manager. "Our research shows that consumers are time-starved and looking for products that offer them convenience, vehicle flexibility and long-lasting protection and performance."

PEAK offers a variety of antifreeze options to meet different needs. PEAK Global(R) LifeTime(R) is the first and only antifreeze backed by a LifeTime Guarantee that's good for as long as you own the vehicle -- when installed with a complete flush and fill. PEAK Long Life(R) provides 150,000 Mile/5 Year extended life protection, and can be used for all makes and models -- regardless of make, model, age, or original antifreeze color. And PEAK Ready Use(R), still the nation's number one selling pre-diluted conventional green coolant, provides 24,000 mile/2 Year protection -- packaged in a 50/50 blend that's ready-to-use for easy top off.

Additional versatile products include Mr. Clean(TM) Premium Windshield Wash, which conveniently de-bugs and de-ices so it can be used during all seasons. Adding de-icing fluid is so easy, you can fill your washer fluid year-round in a garage, parking lot, or just about anywhere. The advanced rubber technology of Mr. Clean(TM) Premium Wiper Blades delivers super-clean, super-quiet wiping in all types of weather conditions. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your car on the road and out of the garage this winter season. For more information, consumers can log onto http://www.oldworldind.com/ .

PEAK Antifreeze