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3 On Your Side: Prepping Your Car For A Storm

By Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--With the snow and bitter cold temperatures heading our way, many drivers are just now realizing that they really aren't prepared.  So 3 On Your Side consumer reporter Jim Donovan has advice to get your car ready for the this latest round of weather.

The weather forecast isn't being welcomed by many drivers but there are still some things you can do before the snow starts piling up.

It's already impacted the Midwest and within hours will be affecting us.

And that's when the calls start flooding in to AAA.

"We definitely are expecting more calls, it's usually not exactly during the storm but right after the storm when everybody's trying to get out on the road," said John Moran with AAA Mid-Atlantic.

But Moran says there are some simple things drivers can do to get their car ready.

First check your anti-freeze.

"To make sure you've got the proper mix,  if you have too much water mixed with your antifreeze the water could freeze and cause a lot of problems in this type of weather," said Moran.

And don't forget your battery.

"Make sure your battery is fully charged, try to have your battery tested if you can, it might start today but if it gets a little colder it might not start and that's a bad time to find out about it," said Moran.

Making sure you wipers are in good shape is essential too. Your emergency road kit should be updated for the winter months too with items like blankets, extra gloves, hats and scarves an ice scraper and brush.

And make sure you have a bag of abrasive material like sand or salt.

In frigid temperatures, frozen door locks are common.  Never pour hot water on a lock or windshield because this could make it worse or cause the window to shatter.  Instead carefully heat the end of the key with a match or lighter.   If that doesn't work, sometimes dipping the tip of the key in rubbing alcohol, using a can of de-icer spray, or heating the lock with a hair dryer will work too.

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