Has your car, van, or pickup had a checkup lately? The Illinois State Police remind you that winter is on the way. Now's the time to make sure your car can survive the coming winter weather extremes. Check the tires, brakes, and battery, along with the heating and defrosting system. Change the anti-freeze, if needed, to protect your car's engine and radiator from freezing up in the cold temperatures that will be with us this winter.

Here's a winter driving tip from the Illinois state police. When a winter storm arrives, with all its ice, wind, and blinding snow, here's an important question to ask yourself before braving a drive through the winter storm. Ask if the need to make the trip is a matter of life or death. If the answer is no, don't go! Remember, a blizzard or dangerous winter storm can cause the trip itself to become a life threatening situation.