PennDOT: Prepare Your Vehicle for Winter

Though this winter has been rather mild, it's still a good idea to make sure you vehicle is ready incase the area gets hit with harsh weather.

To ensure that your vehicle is prepared for winter weather, PennDOT suggests regularly checking the following:

• Fluid levels are full
• The wipers don't streak -- you may want to consider installing winter wiper blades
• The heater and defroster are working properly
• The vehicle's radio is working properly so you can receive weather and traffic reports
• All lights are working
• Tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread depth
• If you live in an area prone to heavy snow,  you may want to use dedicated snow tires on your vehicle or carry a set of tire chains. At a minimum, your all-weather tires should be mud and snow rated.
• Before the winter driving season, motorists should have a mechanic check the brakes, battery, hoses and belts.
• In the case of a problem, contact a mechanic immediately

PennDOT also suggests keeping an emergency travel kit in your vehicle containing: 

• Flashlight and batteries
• Battery-operated radio
• Jumper cables
• Cell phone and charger
• Snow shovel
• Matches and candles
• First aid supplies
• Extra warm clothing and gloves
• Blanket
• Ice scraper
• Sand
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable food
• Anything else you may need to accommodate family traveling with you (special medication, baby supplies, pet food, etc.)