Which is a recommended step to prepare your vehicle in the winter?

Warming up the engine with the defroster is a crucial step in preparing your vehicle for winter conditions. When temperatures drop, ice and frost can accumulate on the windshield and windows, significantly reducing visibility. By using the defroster, you warm the glass surface, allowing ice and snow to melt away, making it safer to drive. Additionally, warming up the engine helps the vehicle's fluids circulate properly, ensuring that the engine runs efficiently and effectively in cold weather.

This practice not only enhances visibility but also provides comfort in the cabin, making the driving experience safer and more comfortable during harsh winter conditions. Furthermore, it allows the vehicle to reach an optimal operating temperature, which is important for engine performance and can help reduce wear.

The other options may not align with the needs of winter vehicle preparation. For instance, increasing tire pressure should be done with caution as it can change with temperature fluctuations. While checking fuel levels is important, doing so alone does not prepare the vehicle as comprehensively for winter driving as using the defroster does. Turning on the air conditioning is also not a typical winter prep step and would not serve the purpose of improving visibility or engine warmth.