5 Oesterling Drive
Reading, PA 19605
(P) 610-916-6316
Heading to a winter wonderland in Pennsylvania can be an exciting time, and even if you're not planning to strap on some skis, chances are you are in for some colder than normal conditions. However, winter woollies and the snow reports aren't the only thing you need to worry about this winter.
If you are planning to drive your vehicle in snow, ice or particularly cold conditions, it is important to take the appropriate precautions to make sure it is equipped, prepared and safe to drive in a variety of circumstances. It could save you a lot of money on unnecessary repair and recovery costs - not to mention the danger of a vehicle breakdown in extreme weather.
Mechanical Considerations
Preparing a vehicle for winter is surprisingly easy, and a few small considerations can help ensure your safety on the road. Firstly, let's look at the mechanical preparations you will need to take when travelling in cold weather:
Vehicle Service - Make sure a professional mechanic has performed winter servicing on your vehicle in the appropriate time frame. That means fresh motor oil, and if it hasn't been done in a long time, clutch, diff and gearbox oil. Your brake and power steering fluids should also be at the appropriate level. Your mechanic will be able to help point out other irregularities.
Anti-freeze - One of the most important reminders is to put anti-freeze in the radiator every two years. If you didn't do it last year, it needs to be done this year. This stops coolant from freezing, which could cause a potential engine meltdown. Frozen coolant could also damage other engine components and even crack the engine. Don't forget to add an appropriate anti-freeze product to other water stores, such as the windscreen washers.
Tyres - Old, worn or damaged rubber will not react well to extreme cold. You would be foolish to place your trust in sub-standard tyres in these conditions.
Windscreen Wipers - Old wipers are known to fall apart in the event of icy conditions, which can be detrimental to your driving visibility.
Check Belts - Cooling fan belts, timing belts and other belts often have an amount of rubber, which means they are also vulnerable to faster-than-normal wear if plunged into freezing conditions. Make sure your belt is in good order.
Battery - Cold weather can aggravate a lot of existing conditions, and being stuck without a starter can be downright dangerous in the cold. If your battery has been worse for wear, don't trust it in the cold - get it replaced today.
Heating/Window Defrosters - This one is a double whammy. On the one hand, you don't want your windscreen freezing over and hindering visibility, and likewise you also want to retain vehicle comfort.
Lights - This comes down to vehicle safety, and is a pretty obvious one. Make sure your vehicle lights are working correctly before a trip to the snow.
Snow Driving
Once you are confident your car is mechanically sound, there are a few other tips you should consider before your next expedition into cold, snowy or icy weather. Let's take a look at how you can maximise your safety and make sure your trip this winter is a successful one.
Essential Gear - You should carry plenty of liquids in case you become stranded, food, blankets and a first aid kit. The list grows when you are travelling further from civilisation.
Off-Road Recovery Gear - If you are heading off the beaten track (such as in a 4WD), or are in an area where traffic is at a minimum, make sure you carry appropriate recovery gear. This could include snatch straps, jacks and appropriate communication gear.
Snow Chains - Snow chains are normally recommended for all vehicles in snow and ice, and they are mandatory in most national parks for most vehicles. Normally, snow chains are available to hire if you do not wish to purchase them outright.
Handbrake - Don't apply the handbrake in snow or ice. Moisture can freeze the cables, so instead chock the wheels and leave the car in gear.
Safe Driving - It goes without saying, but you should take extra care in the snow. That means slower driving, softer braking and lighter acceleration. Don't tailgate other vehicles, and use fog lights where possible.
Loss Of Traction - In short, if your rear wheels start to skid, back off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the car to travel. If the front wheels skid, back off the accelerator, gently brake and don't try to steer until the wheels regain traction. Then, you can steer to safety.
A simple process that can make all the difference in your engine’s performance
Regular oil changes are a necessary part of car ownership for optimal engine results and smooth driving, and it’s easy enough to do at home or have done at the local mechanics.
The changing of a car’s oil is probably one of the most important things a car owner can do to ensure a high quality engine and extended life of the car itself as the noted benefits of this process include the reduction of friction by increasing lubrication in the engine which prevents overheating and removing impurities that build up around the engine such as dust, metallic shavings, and antifreeze. Not removing these impurities can mean less fuel efficiency and engine processing.
There are such benefits as improved engine and horsepower performance with clean oil allowing a vehicle to maximize the horsepower it puts on the road by ensuring that all cylinders are operating to their full capacity.
Of course when talking about the benefits of an oil change for a vehicle it is actually what the oil change is preventing that is the real motivation for many drivers.
Proper maintenance procedure when it comes to oil changes will prevent several major negatives issues from occurring around the engine including:
engine part failure
parts grinding together without lubrication
parts fusing together
parts jamming
The combined effect of leaving dirty oil around a car’s engine can significantly decrease the life of vehicles while also making the vehicles less safe to drive. Basically, regular oil changes as part of routine car maintenance plays an important part in accident prevention.
Changing a car’s oil – what’s involved?
Basically changing a car’s oil is a simple process of draining the old, dirty oil from a car and replacing it with new supply. This should be done every hundred kilometres or so but fresh oil can be added to the existing oil for quick top ups. If you are unsure where to change the oil or how often, every owner’s manual will have specific recommendations for your vehicle with older vehicles generally requiring more frequent changes.
Getting your oil changed can either be an at-home job or you can take it to a mechanic if you are unsure of what to do. It should be noted that disposing of the old oil has many regulations and conditions attached so either familiarize yourself with these or just use a mechanic who will have a disposal unit already set up. This many very well be one of the deciding factors of whether to have it professionally dealt with or not but it is not too expensive to have mechanics complete the task when comparing to the cost of buying the oil yourself.
Generally speaking, oil changes will cost under $50 at most mechanics even with the best possible oil brand for your car.
Changing of an engine’s oil is one if the easiest and simplest step that any car owner can do to ensure their car is running at its absolute best condition.
An Overview
Takeaways
The state of Pennsylvania has a mandatory state vehicle inspection program. You must have your vehicle inspected yearly for safety and emissions. The safety inspection is to keep you and the other drivers on the road safe. The emissions tests are to help cut down on vehicle related air pollution.
Who Must Get Inspected
Anyone operating a motor vehicle on public roads, and who is a resident of the state of PA, must get a yearly inspection.
Where To Go
In order to get your vehicle inspected, you must go to an official PENNDOT inspection station. These are marked by a sign that states they are an official PA inspection station. They are generally repair garages or service stations. The person who inspects your vehicle must be licensed to do so.
Safety Inspection
There are different regulations for each class of vehicle. They are as follows.
Car or light-duty truck: These systems will be inspected to be sure they are complete and in safe working order: brake system, body and chassis, defrost, electrical systems, exhaust systems, fuel systems, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting system, odometer, steering, suspension, tires, and windshield wipers and washing system. Your vehicle will also be checked to be sure any required emissions systems or units have not been tampered with or removed.
All Other Trucks and Buses: The following systems will be inspected: brakes, body and chassis, defrost, electrical systems, exhaust systems, fuel systems, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting system, odometer, steering, suspension, tires, and windshield wipers and wiper fluid system.
Recreational, Semi, and Utility Trailers: These systems will be inspected: brakes, body and chassis, electrical system, any glass, lights, suspension, and tires.
Motorcycles: The following systems will be inspected: brakes, body and chassis, electrical systems, exhaust systems, fuel systems, glass and mirrors, horn, lighting system, odometer, steering, suspension, tires, and windshield wipers and washing system.
Emissions Inspection
There are four different regions within PA that require emissions testing on vehicles. If you live in any of these counties you are required by law to have emissions testing done with your standard vehicle safety inspection.
Emissions testing consists of the following systems in your vehicle: ignition, air induction, fuel metering, early fuel evaporative, air injection, positive crankcase ventilation, evaporative emission control, exhaust gas recirculation, and exhaust gas conversion.
Emissions are tested in the following counties on vehicles that are made in the year 1995 to present.
Philadelphia Region: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties.
Pittsburgh Region: Allegheny, Beaver, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties.
Northern Region: Blair, Cambria, Centre, Erie, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, and Mercer counties.
South Central Region: Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Northampton, and York counties.
Other: The rest of PA’s counties are not required to have emissions testing at this time. However, they are subject to a visual inspection of any emission devices on the automobile to be sure they have not been tampered with or removed. Classic or collectible vehicles (as registered) are exempt.
Expiration
The expiration on your sticker should coincide with your vehicle registration renewal. You have until the end of the month stated on your sticker to get a your inspection. After that time expires, you will be subject to a fine.
If your sticker has expired while you are out of state for thirty days or more, you have ten days to get the vehicle inspected upon your return.
More Information
If you would like to obtain the Pennsylvania Safety Inspection Manual you can do so by sending check or money order for $3.18 to: Vehicle Inspection Division, P.O. Box 68697, Harrisburg, PA, 17106-8697. Make your payment out to ‘Commonwealth of PA’.