Get Your Car Ready for a Winter Road Trip
Winter is the perfect time for a road trip. The scenery is beautiful, and there’s something special about being on the open road when it’s snowing. But before you hit the road, you must ensure your car is up to the task. Here are some tips to get your vehicle ready for a winter road trip.
Preparations for Your Car
Winter weather is dangerous to drive in if you’re unprepared or haven’t practiced safe maneuvering in adverse conditions. Not preparing your car for this trip sets you up for failure and endangerment.
Before you hit the road, ensure that you have measures in place to help if you are stuck or do experience a car wreck on the road. Double-check your insurance coverage before you leave, and look into an extended warranty to repair anything that breaks on your trip. Before your leaving date, read some Carshield reviews and other extended car warranty options.
Check Your Tyres
This is probably the most important thing you can do to prepare your car for winter weather. Make sure your tyres have enough tread and that they’re inflated to the proper pressure. The cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure issues and reduce traction through limited contact with the road. Ask a qualified mechanic if you’re unsure how to check these things.
Consider adding traction aids like snow chains or other winter tyres to your car. These can help you stay safe and comfortable on the road, even in heavy snow or ice. You can also, in most cases, purchase “All-Weather” tyres, which can be used year-round, and have a specific tread design that helps your car maintain traction in nearly all driving conditions.
Change Your Oil
Cold weather stresses your engine, so it’s essential to ensure your oil is fresh. If you’re unsure when your last oil change was, play it safe and get it done before you hit the road. Please speak with your mechanic about your intended plans; they may suggest a different oil viscosity for various driving conditions.
Top Up Other Fluids
Your radiator, windshield washer fluid reservoir, brake fluid, and power steering fluid may leak more during cold weather and need to be topped up before a trip. Keeping a cold-rated coolant and windshield fluid with a de-icer is critical to keeping your car running smoothly and safely.
Clean Your Windshield and Windows
Snow and ice can build up on your windshield and windows, making it difficult to see while driving. Before you head out, clean all the snow and ice off your glass so you can see the road ahead. You may even want to apply a coat of de-icer to your windows and wiper blades to prevent ice from forming while driving.
Plan Your Route Carefully
Snowy conditions can make even short trips longer than usual, so plan accordingly when mapping out your route. And always give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination, so you don’t have to rush or drive in hazardous conditions.
Additionally, check in with family or friends often at major landmarks or well-known destinations so that if you are stuck on the side of the road, they can point emergency responders to your general location.
If the weather gets too bad, keep your plans flexible and choose safety over rigid planning. Turn around and return home if you can’t safely traverse the route. People would rather you be safe and late than injured and still late.
Prepare for the Worst Case Scenario
The phrase “Better safe than sorry” applies to this situation. Most drivers will never need the contents of an emergency kit; however, for the few that do, it’s a lifesaver to have tucked away in the boot of your car.
Pack an Emergency Kit
You never know when you might need jumper cables or a first-aid kit, so keeping an emergency kit in your car is always a good idea. You can buy a pre-made basic kit at any auto parts store or put one together with items like flares, a flashlight, and a blanket.
If you’d like to be better prepared for the specific situation a winter road trip is likely to create in an emergency, you’ll want to supplement your kit with a few extras.
- High-impact non-perishable foods, such as trail mix, granola bars, meal replacement shakes, etc.
- Extra water (insulated in a blanket, this is less likely to freeze)
- A radio or walkie-talkie to contact emergency responders and listen for updated forecasts
- Hand-warmers, gloves, and extra warm clothing options to protect your extremities
- Phone charger or power bank
- A shovel to help you get your car out of the snow
- Ice scraper and brush to clean the windows
- A tow rope or chain to help cars stuck in the snow
- A whistle or air horn to call for help without straining your voice
An Ounce of Prevention
Preparing for a winter road trip doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—follow these simple tips, and you’ll be ready to hit the open road! If you are stranded in the cold, know how to manage your resources and stay safe. Follow the steps below to keep you and your car safe in the event of a winter road trip emergency.
- Stay calm and assess the situation. Move to a warm, sheltered area or use your car’s flare or air horn to signal for help.
- Check your vehicle for damage or mechanical problems that could worsen your situation, such as broken headlights or cracked windshields.
- Keep moving and stay hydrated to stay warm. If you have extra clothing or blankets, bundle up in layers and visit active to generate heat.
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid standing in the path of traffic if it’s possible. Use your car radio or cellphone to get updates on road conditions and look for safe, alternative routes that may be less impacted by snowfall.
- If your car is stuck, use a shovel or rope to try and get it out before calling for help. You can also check online resources like carshield reviews to find tips on how to deal with cold-weather emergencies.
No matter what happens, remember that you are not alone. With the proper preparation, knowledge, and resources, you can confidently manage even the worst winter road trip emergencies. So get out there and enjoy the cold weather!
Proper Training
An intensive driving course focusing on adverse driving conditions, such as snow and ice, will significantly improve your chances of a safe trip. Discuss with your local driving instruction school the options they have to ensure you get all the preemptive training you need to make it to your destination and back without a hitch.
Finding an empty parking lot and practicing on your own is also a great way to get a feel for the sensation of slipping and sliding. When you are more comfortable with the feeling of lost traction, you’re easier to respond calmly and focus on recovering from the slide.
Safe Travels.
