INDIANAPOLIS (CONSUMER REPORTS) — Dead batteries, slick roads, accidents, and breakdowns: winter weather can be dangerous for drivers. Consumer Reports explains how to winter-proof your car, plus a cold-weather concern affecting electric vehicles.

As temperatures drop, roads can quickly get slippery. In 2023, about 100,000 crashes involved sleet or snow conditions. And even if you don’t see snow on the road, watch out. Black ice can form when moisture freezes on the asphalt, and it’s often invisible to motorists.

Michael Crossen is the lead auto test technician at Consumer Reports. His advice: Winter driving safety starts before you hit the road. You want to make sure that your tire pressures are set, you have decent tread on your tires, and that you have good windshi...