Motorists of any age in any car easily can get into trouble at this time of year if they take driving for granted.

Rain, fog, snow and longer periods of darkness make it tougher to drive safely.

A good driver never lets his guard down, never forgets the basics. And good drivers prepare themselves for various types of bad-weather driving by doing the following:

Driving in fog:

* Move slowly, but keep moving. If you must pull over, use the car's flashers so others will see you.

* Always use low-beam headlights to illuminate downward. You'll see less glare and more road.

* Use windshield wipers, and turn on the defroster to cut condensation on the inside of the windshield.

Driving in rain:

* Slow down, especially when entering a curve.

* Increase the distance between you and the car ahead to one car length for every 10 m.p.h. you are traveling.

* Avoid making sudden moves with the steering wheel, brakes or accelerator.

* Move slowly through deep water to avoid splashing water on the ignition system. Water can short out spark plugs, causing the engine to stall.

* After going through deep water, pump the brakes to test them. If they're wet, shift into low gear and drive slowly, holding the brakes on lightly until they dry.

* Keep headlights and taillights clean. Mud sprayed from the road can drastically cut their lighting power.

* Hydroplaning means your car's tires are riding on a thin layer of water and have no contact with the road surface. If this happens - and it's a scary feeling - remove your foot from the gas pedal but don't use the brakes or turn the steering wheel. As the car slows, its tires will grip the road and provide control again.

* To help avoid hydroplaning, drive slowly on very wet roads. Don't overload the rear of the car, hoping for more traction; that only makes the front wheels hydroplane easier. Keep tire pressure up and replace worn tires.

Driving in snow:

* When stopping, ease off the gas pedal slowly and earlier than normal.

* Then apply the brakes slowly and carefully. Pump the brake pedal gently if it feels as if the brakes are locking and you're consequently losing steering control. Never apply the brakes hard on snow; you'll just skid.

* If your car starts to skid, steer in the direction that the rear of the car is sliding. But do it gently, without using excessive wheel lock.

* Stay with the car if you are snowbound because it's the best shelter against the elements. Run the engine and heater for short periods. That will keep you warm enough and will conserve fuel in case you're stuck for a long time.

* Also if snowbound, open the window a little for ventilation, no matter how cold it is. Keep the tail pipe clear of snow; if packed, the pipe could send deadly exhaust fumes into the car.

* Stock your auto with a basic emergency kit if you're taking a trip where getting stuck could be a big problem. The kit should include a steel shovel, matches, candles or containers of canned heat, metal coffee can, two plastic garbage bags, sand, flares and flashlight.

* Use the shovel and sand if you're stuck. Use the candle or canned heat to melt snow for drinking water. Garbage bags are great insulators against the wind.

* Give yourself longer to reach your destination in poor weather. Motorists often get into trouble during the winter because they're in a hurry and take chances.

* It's bad enough when average drivers take chances when motoring conditions are ideal; such drivers are over their heads during most emergency situations. So imagine what a hazard the average driver is when in a hurry on slippery roads in lousy weather.

* No matter where you drive, you'll probably encounter such a driver more than once this winter.

* Keep in mind the basics of poor-weather driving, and chances are you'll survive the encounters without incident.