Before Snow Starts Falling, Now Is The Time To Winterize Your Car

By Michelle Durham

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Weather-wise this winter, we've dodged a bullet, but we may still wake up to a world of snow at some point. And if you haven't winterized your car, you could be in a bunch of trouble.

Peter Derro, a mechanic at Ridge Tire and Auto Center in Ambler, says you're luck may be running out.

"When the time comes, they need the snow tires, the battery checked, oil changes -- everything they are putting off is done at that last second and then they are running out for the milk, bread and eggs."

He wants you to know that hoses rot from the inside out and you won't know until it's too late and one splits. Also, the life of your battery can vary and you won't know about that until it doesn't start.

"Or the tires they are putting off and they try driving around in the snow. Just to get here -- that's dangerous too -- and putting other people in harm's way."

In most cases if you need tires, they can be installed while you wait, but there is the possibility the tires may need to be ordered, which is why you shouldn't wait until the snow starts to fall. And don't forget about your antifreeze too.