AAA encourages drivers to follow these winter weather tips

CHEEKTOWAGA, N.Y. (WIVB) -- With the mild weather Western New York has seen so far, AAA is reminding drivers to start brushing off those winter weather driving skills and to double check the maintenance of your vehicle to make sure it's ready and safe to go when the seasons change.

"Plan ahead, be proactive about it and that way you'll be comfortable and you'll be safe when the time comes," said Elizabeth Carey, Director of Public Relations at AAA of Western and Central New York.

AAA says it sees quite a spike in calls when the first snowflakes fall.

"The first snow definitely reminds people, 'oh, it's not summer anymore, I forgot about this,' " said Dan Fisher, Emergency Road Services Dispatch Manager at AAA of Western and Central New York. "A lot of that stems from speed, some from that preventative maintenance that people didn't get to or didn't know they needed to do."

Here are some ways AAA encourages drivers to prepare:

• Make sure your tires are inflated to the proper pressure and double check your tread
• Make sure your fluids and oils are up to date and full
• Double check that your windshield wipers and fluid work properly
• Get your battery checked

"Our number one call throughout the winter time is those failed batteries, so that's a pretty routine maintenance item that a lot of people don't even know they need until they need it unfortunately," said Fisher.

Although some areas of Western New York haven't seen snow just yet, AAA says to dust off your winter weather driving skills -- even when it rains.

"We're seeing wet roads, wet leaves, slush in some areas, that's going to make for slick roads so people need to pay attention," said Carey.

AAA predicts that 72 million people are expected to travel by car for Thanksgiving. Something travelers might be extra thankful for is an emergency kit in their car.

"AAA is reminding everyone to pack that emergency kit in your car," said Carey. "You're going to want to make sure you have blankets, warm clothes, snacks, water, some tools, items that you can use to stay comfortable while you're waiting to help."

For more information on how to prepare your car for winter weather, visit AAA's website here.