Well it won't be long before old man winter will be making a comeback here in Central New York. And that means your morning commute will likely become a little more difficult than it is now. Our Brad Vivacqua is in the YNN garage and joins us now with more on some tips to keep in mind when it comes to winter driving and vehicle preparation.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- First experts say we need to make sure we have a few things to get our vehicles ready for the cold and wintry weather.

A few things that will help you include getting yourself some winter wiper blades.. It's important to have some extra windshield wiper fluid, antifreeze, some jumper cables and anything else that may be able to help you in the case of an emergency including a safety kit.

We spoke to experts at Nick Orso's Body Shop here in Syracuse who offered up some other tips.

This time of year begin to let your vehicle warm up and make sure all your windows are clear from frost, and snow before you begin driving.

You should get used to leaving your home a little earlier in the morning so you don't feel rushed with having to get to work.

You may want to consider getting a tune-up and a safety check before the winter weather arrives.

"I think a tune up should include a fuel systems check, and it should include all the safety items related to the operation of your car. Battery, brakes, tires, and again when it comes to tires always think about the type of driving that you do," Mike Orso said.

Remember it's always important to get used to slowing down on the roads as well. Orso also says hundreds of customers in to his shop every winter with fender benders that can be avoided just by slowing down.

NICK ORSO’S WINTER DRIVING SURVIVAL TIPS

1. Park your car so you can drive it out of its parking spot instead of backing it out. It’s safer and easier.

2. Park it so access to the battery is easy if jumping it is needed. Not all car’s battery is under the hood, check to see where your battery is located.

3. Plan to leave home/work earlier- rushing is the number one cause of accidents.

4. Let the car warm up. Fluids need to warm up in the transmission and steering.

5. Clean as much snow off the car as possible it’s the law - don't
forget the wiper wells!

6. Slow Down!!! Driving to fast for road conditions is second biggest cause of accidents. Just because the sign says 65 you can’t always drive that fast.

7. Should you get stuck, slide off the road, or have an accident access and be aware of the danger your location presents.

8. Get winter wiper blades.

9. Keep an extra gallon of washer fluid and know where to add it!

10. Have emergency or towing plan. Nick Orso’s has an “Action Plan” on our website site nickorso.com click on “After An
Accident”

11. Invest in regular safety checks and tune-ups from a shop you trust.

12. Keep a safety kit in the trunk include:

•A 10-pound bag of rock salt or two for weight in the trunk and for use around the car.
•Keep a change of warm dry clothes in the trunk for that possible slide off the road and waiting for help.
•Include boots you can walk in and good warm gloves, an extra warm hat.
•A good warm blanket, flash light, extra batteries, flares, cell phone, energy bars, hand warmers.
•Go to an auto parts store and get dry gas to use at each re-fueling.
•A Shovel is a good thing to have.
•Jumper cables are a good investment for you or to help a friend. Have someone who knows, teach you how to use them on your car, many cars have hidden batteries.
•Lock deicer and spray window deicer for the occasional frozen lock or wiper arms.

13. Get snow tires if your car is traction impaired, first bad day will tell.

14. Get a new battery if yours is more than 3 years old or failing.

15. Think about Nitrogen Tire Inflation, Nick Orso’s does it and it
comes with a FREE roadside assistance package through
NITROFILL. It will save fuel, tires and increases driving safety.

Review this list and if you follow it you’ll have a better chance to survive winter pitfalls. Since we don’t have, wild fires, earthquakes or hurricanes in CNY. Keep that thought close and you may actually enjoy the winter in Central NY.