Tips on how to make your vehicle snowstorm ready

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News spoke with AAA about what tips they have for drivers to get their car ready for stormy weather conditions in the forecast this weekend.

"Extra hats, gloves, scarves, blankets. You need to stay warm if you're going to be out there for a very long time," said Jana Tidwell. "An extra portable shovel to help dig yourself out if you're plowed into your parking space."

Tidwell knows all too well why having these emergency supplies is critical.

"So I learned the hard way," said Tidwell. "We were stuck out on the road, there was road closure on I-95. I was stuck on 322 and the snow was coming down fast and furious."

She and her two children were stuck on the road for three hours.

If you do get stuck or stranded, Tidwell recommends, "Start the car for 10 minutes or so, get the heat moving. Get your cell phone charged, listen to the radio, hear what's going on around you. Cut it off, wait another 45 minutes and do the same thing again."

Tidwell says deicer, rock salt or kitty litter could also come in handy.

Also make sure you have a brush and ice scraper as well as bottled water and snacks.

For people who think they should reduce their tire pressure before a snow storm, Jose Gonzalez says, "I would say that's a myth. Normally your tire pressure you want to stick to what's on the inside of your door jamb in your vehicle."

One other thing to note: You can come to any AAA Car Care Center and get your car's battery and some other things checked for free.

To find an AAA Car Care Center, click here.