Safe Winter Road Trips
GET PREPARED FOR Safe Winter Road Trips
Before you drive, clear the snow and ice from the windows, bonnet, lights, and roof. Keep your vehicle clean to help you be more visible to others. Vehicle maintenance is always important, but even more so in weather extremes. Be sure all these systems are in good working order—ignition system, fuel system, belts, hoses, fluids, brakes, exhaust system, wiper blades and operation, heater and defroster, cooling system, battery, and lights. Make sure you have winter-grade oil i. Keep the fuel tank full—don’t let it get below half before filling up.
Tires and Traction: You should have at least 1/8-inch tire tread depth and proper inflation. Cold temperatures have a lowering effect on tire pressures—check frequently to maintain adequate inflation. Traction devices often greatly increase your stopping distance, so control your vehicle carefully. “All-season” tires are not your best choice for poor conditions outside the sanded, sheltered streets of a city—make sure you have good lugged snow tires if you are traveling through heavy snow country.
Recommended Equipment FOR Safe Winter Road Trips
- radio
- mobilel phone
- Scraper and brush
- shovel
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Sand or cat litter (for traction)
- Flares
- Blankets
- Cold weather clothing (like insulated coveralls)
- A good flashlight (cold kills batteries, make sure they’re fresh and carry spares)
- High-energy food (see sidebar)
- Drinking water
- Medications for longer trips.
- A can of de-icer (don’t use hot water on glass or locks—it will only make things worse)
This is no time to get stuck with a flat tire, so make sure you have a jack, lug wrench and an inflated spare tire in good condition.
Last but not least: Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to arrive.
More things to keep in mind for Safe Winter Road Trips
Beware of Carbon Monoxide. Do not start your car in an enclosed area and let it idle with the cabin closed up.
Remember that bridge surfaces, shadows, and low spots where water can collect will be the first areas to freeze.
Remember that driving in poor conditions is fatiguing—leave plenty of time for rest stops and don’t push it if you are feeling tired and sleepy.
If you get stuck, generally, the best thing is stay in your vehicle and keep warm while you wait for help. Again, be careful about carbon monoxide, and check your exhaust pipe. Clear away snow, ice, or anything that might be blocking it.
Don’t take short cuts in winter—keep to the main roads. Back roads may not be plowed or patrolled, and if you get stuck, you may be out there a long time. Maybe until Spring…
Safe Winter Road Trips