There’s a certain magic to a winter road trip — the snow-covered landscapes, the fresh winter air, and the warmth of holiday gatherings waiting for you at the end.
But as beautiful as the season is, winter traveling comes with challenges. Slick roads, freezing temperatures, or sudden weather changes can quickly turn a festive journey into a stressful ordeal.
To help you stay safe and keep your holiday cheer intact, here are some key tips for ensuring you and your vehicle are ready for whatever the winter season holds.
1. Map it Out: Plan the Route to Your Destination
Before you start your trip, check the weather and road conditions. If needed, tweak your route or timing to steer clear of trouble. It’s smart to know backup routes in case of unexpected road closures or severe weather.
Also, familiarize yourself with maps, even if you use GPS. For longer drives, remember to plan rest stops to keep yourself sharp and refreshed!
2. Pack an Emergency Travel Kit
Stack up on these travel essentials and keep this kit in your car at all times during winter:
- Warm clothing and blankets or sleeping bags
- Food and water:
- Bottled water
- Non-perishable snacks (granola bars, nuts, dried fruit)
- Vehicle essentials:
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow shovel
- Tire chains or traction mats
- Portable air compressor or tire repair kit
- Safety and navigation:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Road flares or reflective triangles
- Fully charged power bank
- Paper maps
- First aid and essential medications
- Additional items:
- Matches or a lighter
- Multi-tool or Swiss army knife
- Emergency whistle
- Plastic bags for storage or waste
3. Opt for the Right Vehicle
When traveling in snowy and icy conditions, four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) vehicles are ideal, as they offer improved traction and stability. Cars with high ground clearance are also suited for navigating deep snow.
If 4WD or AWD isn’t an option, a front-wheel-drive vehicle is a better choice than rear-wheel drive, as it handles slippery roads more effectively.
4. Perform Essential Vehicle Checks
Here are some basic checks you should perform before your winter road travel:
- Check battery health: Cold weather can weaken battery performance. Have it tested to ensure it’s holding a charge. If it’s weak, replace it with a battery rated for cold climates, preferably one with higher cold-cranking amps.
- Check fluid levels: Ensure that all essential fluids, such as motor oil, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and coolant, are at optimal levels. Use winter-grade fluids to prevent freezing and maintain performance.
- Inspect and upgrade tires: Examine tires for damage and tread depth; replace them if necessary. It’s also advisable to switch to winter tires for better traction and carry snow chains as an added precaution.
- Inspect windshield wipers: Replace any worn wipers and consider installing winter wiper blades for better visibility.
- Test heater and defroster: Check that your car’s heating system is in top shape to keep you warm and ensure clear visibility. Repair any issues before your trip.
- Inspect your lights: Verify all interior and exterior lights are operational and clean for maximum visibility during shorter daylight hours.
- Get insurance: Buy an insurance plan that covers accidents, weather-related incidents, and unexpected breakdowns. Also, consider adding roadside assistance or rental car coverage, especially if traveling long distances.
5. Check Local and Destination Weather
Before hitting the road, check both local and destination weather conditions. Visit the national 511 website for links to state-specific services to stay updated on road conditions and alerts.
Additionally, tune into local news for any travel advisories or warnings. If the National Weather Service issues an advisory, avoid non-essential travel to ensure safety.
6. Fill Up Your Gas Tank
Always start your winter road trip with a full tank of gas.
Here’s why:
If you get stranded or have an emergency, having a full tank ensures you can keep the heater running intermittently to stay warm. It also minimizes the risk of running out of fuel in remote areas, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.
7. Keep Others Informed
Remember to share your travel itinerary with a friend or family member. Let them know your departure time, route, and expected arrival time. Check in with them once you’ve arrived at your destination to confirm your safety. This simple step can help others respond quickly in case of an emergency.
Bonus Tip: Allow Extra Travel Time
Winter trips are unpredictable, so consider including extra travel time to make up for reduced speeds, and choose accommodations with flexible check-in, change, and cancellation policies. This ensures you can adjust your plans if delays occur due to weather or road conditions.
Wait! There’s more.
What to Do If You’re Stranded in Winter Weather?
Winter storms can leave you stuck for hours or longer. If stranded, focus on staying safe by doing the following:
- Stay with your vehicle for visibility. Turn on the dome light at night, tie a bright cloth to the antenna, or raise the hood if it’s not snowing.
- Stay warm by layering clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags to prevent hypothermia.
- Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour to power the heater and charge your phone, but keep a window slightly open to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.