EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Having car troubles is never fun, but them in the cold and snow is even worse. Rhode Island State Police responded to 14 weather-related crashes during the overnight storm Sunday to Monday. MORE: Do you remember how to safely drive in the snow? Then on Tuesday, AAA Northeast's Jillian Young said roadside assistance calls were three times higher than on an average day, largely due to drained car batteries. Here are some tips from AAA to make sure your car is prepared for winter weather: Clear snow from your vehicle It's important to always clear all snow off your vehicle. Not clearing your car can pose a big safety risk to yourself and others. Not clearing snow off your car could also land you a citation. AAA recommends using a tool that has both a scraper and a brush. The tool should also be extendable so you can clear snow off of hard-to-reach places. Test your battery and brakes If your battery isn't fully charged, your car may have trouble starting. Have your car's battery checked by a trained technician. "We see a big impact on batteries," Young said. "When the temperature outside reaches thirty-two degrees, batteries can lose 30 percent of their power, and when that temperature hits zero degrees they can lose up to 60 percent of their power." It's also good to have your breaks checked before icy conditions arrive. Clean your headlights It's important for your vehicle to be visible in wintry conditions. If your headlights appear cloudy, buy a headlight restoration kit or have your lights cleaned professionally. Check your tires Cold weather can mess with your tires. You'll want to make sure your tires are fully inflated and have enough tread. "You can actually check that by sticking a quarter upside down between the tread of your tire. If George Washington's head disappears into the tread, you're in good shape," Young explained. "If you can still see the top of his head, it's probably time to start shopping for new tires." Carry an emergency kit Always keep an emergency kit in your car, no matter the weather. When it's cold out, AAA recommends having the following items on hand: phone charger first-aid kit blankets water and snacks flashlights a basic toolkit ice scrapers and snow brushes jumper cables traction aids like sand or salt raincoat and gloves a shovel High visibility safety light or kit NEXT: How to safely heat your home this winter Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Pinpoint Weather 12 Alerts SIGN UP NOW