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A safe trip traveled by car during the winter starts with good planning, and considering the possible emergencies we might face as we travel. Before you gas-up and start down the road take some time to be sure the car is ready for the elements and the family is ready to face time, distance and the worst case scenario along the way.
A Safe Auto Trip Starts Before the Engine Does! Before you start a trip in the winter be sure to take these steps into consideration:
- Tip #1 Mapping and Contact Person. Know where you are going and which route you plan to take. Also plan any possible known detours, in the event a major road on your route is closed for weather related problems. Leave a copy of your plan with someone you choose as a contact person. Don’t depend on Internet Maps as your single source of information. Double check the Internet with what you see on a good old fashioned map you can purchase for $1.99 at nearly any gas station. Never start a trip without establishing one main contact person who knows what your time-line and route is at all times. If you change your route or time-line at any time along the way be sure to contact your person and let them know exactly what is going on. Cell phone text messages are a fantastic way to relate information.
- Tip #2 Wiper Blades and Battery, be sure the vehicle is ready for winter driving and road conditions. Replace your wiper blades and fill the wiper fluid for better visibility.
Cold weather always places an extra demand on batteries, be sure to check the battery insuring a full charge. There are also portable battery chargers which might be a good idea while traveling in cold temperatures. - Tip #3. Get the Oil Changed And Check the Fluids Have the oil changed and consider switching to a thinner grade of engine oil during colder temperatures. Checking all of the vehicle fluids including antifreeze, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid . Try to keep the gas take full to help avoid condensation and add some extra weight for traction on slippery roads.
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- Tip #4. Snow Tires, and Traction Devices. If you live in an area or plan a trip that includes traveling through an area with substantial snow and ice or over high elevation passes, it could be a good idea to consider snow tires for the vacation or winter season. During a vacation during the winter months it’s a good idea to keep snow chains inside the vehicle, be sure they are the correct size and that you understand how to use them. Sometimes winter storms cause unusual situations in different parts of the country or the weather changes in the middle of your trip. Many mountain passes require snow chains or traction devices.
- Tip #5. Make Extra Keys Being locked out of the car is a situation we never want to have to face–especially in the middle of traveling. If it happens in sub-zero weather conditions it can be dangerous and life threatening. We always carry extra car keys while traveling and especially during the winter months. Even with auto insurance towing and road service coverage it’s just much nicer to not need to call and wait for help.
- Tip #6. Extra Supplies Every vehicle should have a first aid kit inside of it at all times. Before a big trip be sure to check it and make sure it’s fully stocked. Pack extra blankets and we keep a box filled with gloves, scarves and hats in the truck. It‘s also important to pack some extra food, and water. We keep 3 gallons of water in our car, the extra weight is helpful for traction and water is always important to have in the event we are stranded. We also keep a big box of granola bars and some other snacks in the car. Granola bars last a long time and take time to chew, they also include the kind of nutrition that is good when food needs to be rationed.
Once the route is mapped, the contact person is notified, the car is checked and ready to travel in the winter, and everyone is packed to be stranded for days, families can safely start the engine as long as they remember the Tips in the next Blog while they drive.
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Related Blogs:
- Traveling By Car: A Life and Death Decision
- Five Tips For Driving on Icy, Slippery or Snow Covered Roads
- Start The Engine! Auto Travel and The Winter Car Trip.
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