How To Winterize Your Car

Harsh weather can damage your automobile ‑- and put your safety at risk ‑- if you don't prepare for the cold season. To help you get ready this year, the Good Housekeeping Institute offers these product evaluations and tips.

If you have a car with a traditional lock, ice blockage can be a problem. Stash a can of aerosol Victor Lock De-Icer & Lubricant ($1.99 for two cans; 866-290-5334; www.acehardware.com) in your home or office. Of the brands the Good Housekeeping Institute tested, Victor performed best, and its aerosol spray was easy to apply inside the keyhole.

Looking for a great windshield wiper fluid with a deicing additive? The best: Mr. Clean Windshield Wash and De-icer ($2.99 for one gallon; 800-432-9306; www.mrcleanwindshieldwash.com). It was the only fluid that melted the ice completely in the Good Housekeeping Institute's evaluations.

The inexpensive Hoppy Ice Chisel ($2.49; 800-737-2397; www.pepboys.com) was the winner in a test of four brands. Volunteers said the insulated handle was comfortable and made it easy to apply force to scrape the ice.

If you need to change your antifreeze, make sure you use a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and water to protect your engine during the cold winter months. The Good Housekeeping Institute recommends Prestone's 50/50 Prediluted Extended Life Antifreeze/Coolant ($7 for one gallon; 800-862-7737; www.prestone.com).