This time of year in the West Kootenay you never know what you might have to drive through from day to day.

So, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is in good repair and ready to handle sudden weather changes.

For all the do-it-yourselfers out there, Napa Auto Parts has all the parts, fluids and other accessories you’ll need to keep your vehicle running smoothly all year round. Winter is a particularly busy time for the shop.

Napa store manager Dave Zarikoff said he’s already had a lot of people come into the store to stock up on anti-freeze or buy replacement block heaters or batteries.

Also, with its location right off the highway, the store sees a number of customers who are just passing through and need to grab a quick replacement wiper blade or spark plug.

“We have everything in the store to make it a convenient one stop shop for your auto needs,” said Zarikoff.

“Our staff are great at helping customers find exactly what they’re looking for and remind them of things they might have forgotten.”

Zarikoff said it’s important for people to remember to have their lock de-icer (in their pocket, not locked in the car), a good snow brush and scraper and extra fluids, especially for longer trips.

“Sometimes driving on the roads around here, it’s a long way to the next service station. So it’s best to be prepared for the worst,” said Zarikoff.

Having a tool kit and a shovel handy in your vehicle can mean the difference between having to call a tow truck or being able to get yourself out.

A Napa store in Nelson means you can get your auto parts the same place as many of the local service stations. Napa also supplies to a number of businesses around the city, as well as sending parts out to surrounding areas as far as Balfour and Slocan.

The store has been in Nelson for more than 30 years. They’ve recently expanded their winter product line to include snow blowers and shovels.

“We’re a well-known name for autoparts and people know they can trust the products they get here,” said Zarikoff.

Get ready for winter with a stop at Napa Auto Parts 723A Front Street.