Some vehicles are inherently better-suited to winter driving than others. A '78 Chevy Malibu with bald tires isn't going to keep up with a Land Rover LR3 in a blizzard, you know. But there are things you can do to make whatever you've got stand up better to the elements and get you where you need to be.
Engine block heater: By keeping the engine just slightly warmer than the brutal outside air temperature, start-ups are far less stressful, warm-ups are quicker and engine (and battery) life are prolonged. You'll also get better fuel economy and lower the amount of harmful pollution spewed by your engine.
Many heavy-duty trucks and 4x4 vehicles come with accessory block heaters already installed, but it's easy to adapt one to virtually any vehicle. Some use a magnetic pad that you simply slap onto the bottom of the oil pan; others slide into the oil dipstick. All have a three-prong grounded plug on the other end that you stick into any household 110-volt outlet before putting the vehicle to bed overnight.
Most major automakers (GM, Ford, etc.) sell accessory block heaters over the counter at their dealerships. Typical cost for the parts involved is between $40 and $150, depending on the make and model car or truck. Installation is not complicated and can be handled by anyone with basic automotive skills and some hands tools, or you can have it done for you by the dealer.
Winter wiper blades: Many people leave their wiper blades on for too long. Six months is usually the outside limit before they begin to smear and streak instead of clear and clean, and many don't know that you can swap summer-style blades for heavier-duty blades designed specifically for winter service.
Winter blades typically have sturdier frames less apt to bend, and the blades themselves are made of a specific compound of rubber designed to clear snow and ice more effectively, and stand up to colder temperatures better than standard-issue blades.
Peak (www.peakantifreeze.com) sells a line of "Arctic & Polar Guard" replacement blades for most popular model cars and trucks; use them (or an equivalent) until the sun returns in spring.
Car cover: If you have to park outside, you'll save yourself a lot of grief - and perhaps avoid an accident - if you get and use a good quality car cover to prevent a layer of ice from coating your car's exterior every night. Instead of scraping a peek-hole on the windshield that quickly fogs over, you'll have a vehicle with all its exterior glass free of ice and more able to shrug off condensation so you can see where you're going and what's behind and around you, too.
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