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.