If you’ve never gone on a winter road trip before, make sure to do your research and have a detailed checklist of preparation to-dos. Having car trouble in winter is rather different from having car trouble in the summer or fall.
So how do you ensure you’re ready to hit the road and prepared for any eventualities down the road?
These 5 tips should help:
1. Get your vehicle ready.
Whether you’re using your own vehicle, borrowing, or renting—that vehicle will hugely determine whether your winter road trip will be memorable for all the right reasons. If you’re going in your car, or borrowing someone else’s car (presumably because it can take on long winter drives), having it professionally serviced is a wise move. If you’re renting, make sure all the safety checks and maintenance work are up to date.
In particular, pay attention to the following when prepping your car for the trip:
Tires: Check the air pressure, and monitor it when you’re out on the road, as tires lose air more quickly in freezing temperatures. Also, it can’t hurt to consult your mechanic regarding what else may be necessary for your tires on the trip, like snow tires perhaps.
Fluid levels: Your engine oil, antifreeze, power steering fluid, brake fluid, windshield wiper fluid, and transmission fluid help guarantee a smooth and safe drive, so be sure to check them before you set out, and then constantly monitor them while you’re on the road.
Gas: Fill up your tank the week before your trip. This would keep any water, in the form of condensation, from the fuel line, which would stop gasoline from flowing. You may also want to refill your tank once you’ve arrived at your destination, especially if it’s going to sit idle for a while before you get back on the road again.
Battery: Watch out for signs like a slow start or the lights dimming when you start the car. Of course, your battery may simply be old, and you just haven’t gotten around to replacing it. The average car battery lasts three to five years, and batteries older than three years need a thorough check prior to a long drive in cold weather. Let your mechanic test your battery and charging system as well as check for any corrosion in the cable ends and connection issues in the battery terminal.
Lights: It gets dark early in winter, so be sure that your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and emergency flashers are all working. Replace any bulbs that have burned out, and have a working flashlight handy in your glove compartment.
2. Pack your emergency tools and items.
Speaking of flashlight, make sure the basic things you will need in case of an emergency are all packed in the car: from your first aid kit, flashlight (and batteries), to your emergency car toolkit (a pair of work gloves, tire gauge, box cutter, flat and slotted screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, a small wrench, and hex keys). And don’t forget jumper cables as well as a shovel and a sandbag.
3. Know your route.
If your winter road trip involves driving up into mountainous areas, be prepared for the possibility of road closures and speed restrictions. Keep in mind that some updates regarding routes may not be included in your navigation app at once.
Learn about alternative routes in case of closures as well as any necessary adjustments in your timetable. You may have to avoid problematic routes altogether, so have a clear plan on how to get to your destination otherwise. Make sure as well that you have the website and phone number of the local department of transportation, as well as access to local news sources.
4. Plan your stops.
Making well-spaced stops on a long drive should be part of your road trip strategy. Work your stops into and around your itinerary so you can plot your timetable accurately, especially if some of the places you want to visit are open only at certain hours. Factor in possible inclement weather and route changes, which usually means longer time out on the road or having to stay in your stop longer.
5. Brush up on your winter driving do’s and don’ts.
The roads and the weather in winter will require you to drive differently than you would in the summer or fall, so be sure to drive accordingly:
- Put an extra space between you and the car in front of you. (This is even more necessary in winter driving, especially when visibility is a problem.)
- Accelerate gently.
- Avoid slamming on the brakes.
- Keep your headlights off and slow down to a crawl if the falling snow impairs your vision.
Additionally, if your road trip takes you to other states, it’s a good idea to check the DMV driver’s manual for any specific driving and traffic guidelines.
Regardless of the season, road trips require preparation, especially when it comes to your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle will not give you unpleasant surprises when you’re out on the road. Besides, those surprises can also mean costly repair work that could have been avoided with a pre-trip checkup.
If you have to get necessary repairs done before a trip and your vehicle is out of warranty, check out EverCare Protection’s vehicle service contract plans.