As the harsh cold weather condition is expected to hit Chicago and other parts of the state of Illinois, AAA Chicago recommends motorists around these areas to drive safely to avoid car troubles. Also, AAA Chicago offers some important winter driving tips and survival guides for the winter season.

According to AAA Chicago, motorists should:

- Clear snow and ice from vehicle to improve visibility. Include hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, tail lights and headlights.

- Slow down when visibility and road conditions are impaired, and increase the following distance between vehicles.

- Anticipate dangers including ice on bridges, hidden lane markings, stalled cars and poor visibility.

- Use proper winter braking techniques. For cars without anti-lock brakes, use "squeeze" or "threshold" braking by applying the brakes just short of lock-up, then easing off the brake pedal slightly. For vehicles with anti-lock brakes, continuous, firm braking is necessary.

In addition, AAA Chicago also said that drivers should have these survival gears on their vehicles:

- Cell phone
- Ice scraper & brush
- Boots, gloves, hat, blanket
- Tools & flashlight
- Tire traction material such as sand or cat litter
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflective triangle
- Food
- Coffee can furnace
- First aid kit