SCRANTON, Pa. — The phones rang nonstop at Kost Tire and Auto Center in Scranton on Thursday. The last-minute rush is underway as people try to get their cars serviced before the snow in the forecast.
"A lot of people wait until the last second. It's just like bread and eggs and milk; everybody rushes out to get the last-minute stuff," said Victor Lynn, a manager at Kost Tire.
As service orders piled up, Lynn said it happens every winter before the first big storm.
"Mainly, a lot of people are getting tires this year. They're afraid of how much snow we're going to get, and their all-seasons aren't going to be the best for them."
The mild start this winter allowed people like Aiden Tomczyk to take their time switching to a fresh set of wheels.
"I'm getting my snow tires put on today. I usually do it earlier in the season, but we haven't had much snow. So, with this storm coming this weekend, I figured I better get it done now."
With a fresh delivery of tires, the mechanics worked nonstop to get cars back to customers before the first flurries.
"They're constantly busy. They're not even stopping to take a break this week," Tomczyk said.
Some are looking forward to the first storm of the season.
"I can't wait. I'll be up at the mountain all weekend," Tomczyk added.
But for those at Kost, it's all about safety in the snow.
"Take your time getting around," Lynn advised. "If you have the right proper equipment on your car—snow tires, all-seasons—just make sure you have good tread depth. Bring it in; we'll do a free inspection for you and get you ready."
Kost also suggests you fill your gas tank, make sure your wipers work, and keep a blanket in your car if you need to be out on the road.
Get the full Stormtracker 16 forecast HERE.
Information on road conditions is available from PennDOT at 511PA.com