OHIO — Winter weather advisories and the snow will soon be falling — if it hasn't already. 

But with snow comes some slippery roads, so AAA says it's time to prepare yourself and your vehicle for the season. 

“AAA recommends motorists have their cars checked out for winter driving, as preventative maintenance can help avoid more costly and inconvenient repairs later in the season,” says Jenifer Moore, AAA spokeswoman. “A road ready car for winter also includes a vehicle emergency kit, packed now and readily available when you need it all winter long.”

When you're driving in winter conditions, here are some tips:

  • Don't use cruise control in slippery conditions
  • Everyone, including pets, should be wearing a seatbelt
  • Don't use any electronic devices while driving
  • If construction workers are working on shoulders or along the interstate, move over
  • "See and be seen," meaning make sure to remove all snow and ice from the hood and windows
  • Slow down and keep space between you and other drivers
  • Try to avoid lane changes
  • If you feel your car begin to slip, let off the accelerator
  • Be careful around hills and see how drivers in front of you react
  • Don't slam on the brakes if you're sliding because it'll cause the wheels to lock

Along with taking precautions on the road, there are things you can do to prepare your car ahead of time. 

AAA gave these tips:

  • Have your car battery checked 
  • Make sure the treads on your tires are deep enough and check tire pressure once a month
  • If you witness hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power of the engine, have it checked because it could be from the cold
  • Keep fluids filled, such as oil, windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze
  • Have your mechanic check the exhaust system for leaks and look for any holes in the trunk and floorboards
  • Inspect the brakes
  • Replace old windshield wiper blades
  • Check all bulbs for headlights and tail lights to make sure they're not burned out, and clean the lenses to avoid dim lighting 

AAA reports more than half a million crashes every year in the U.S. are caused by winter weather.

For Monday's weather, more than half the state is under a winter weather advisory and many northeast Ohio counties are under a winter weather watch.