Winter road trips can be a great way to experience the beauty of the winter season while escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
However, they can also be dangerous if you don’t prepare properly. Before heading out on your winter road trip, it is important to ensure you have all the essential preps you need to keep yourself safe.
First of all, let’s focus on the key areas of your vehicle that need to be checked before any road trip, regardless of the season. You want to ensure that your engine, battery, tires, lights, and brakes are in working order. Your fluid levels, including engine cooling, oil, and screen wash, must be topped up ahead of the trip.
If you are planning extensive driving, you want to pack sufficient bottles to keep your fluid levels under control. Yet, you want to add something more to these checks to ensure your vehicle is ready for a winter trip.
Battery top-ups
Winter driving can be challenging, especially if you’re not properly prepared. One of the most important preps for a winter road trip is making sure your vehicle is ready to take on the cold. Investing in a battery top-up charger and jump-start cables is essential to ensure your vehicle is in good shape.
A battery top-up charger helps condition the battery and keep it at the optimal charge during winter. During this season, the battery level drops faster than usual due to the colder temperature, so having this device will help keep your battery topped up for your trip.
Jump start cables are also a must-have for any winter driver. When you’re out on the road, you never know when your car might unexpectedly refuse to start. That’s why having jump-start cables handy can be a lifesaver in case of an emergency. Having this tool in your trunk can save you from a lot of hassle and potential danger.
The argument for winter tire
When prepping for a winter road trip, one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: do I need winter tires? While the answer to this question depends on the specifics of your journey, there are a few key factors to consider before making your decision.
First and foremost, you should think about the type of road conditions you’ll be driving in. If you’re traveling on roads that are often snow-covered and icy, then winter tires can be incredibly beneficial in helping you stay safe and avoid dangerous situations. They are designed to provide superior traction on slippery surfaces, as well as shorter stopping distances than regular tires.
Another important factor to keep in mind is the temperature of your destination. Cold temperatures make regular tires harder, meaning they won’t be able to grip the road surface as effectively. Winter tires, on the other hand, remain flexible in cold weather, which means you can maintain better control on slippery roads.
Finally, you should also consider the amount of time you’ll be spending on the road. If you’re only taking a short trip in wintery conditions, then regular tires may suffice. However, investing in winter tires can be a wise choice if you’ll be spending a considerable amount of time on the road.
Tire pressure
Tire pressure is an essential factor to consider. Cold temperatures can cause tires to lose air pressure quickly, making it more difficult to control your vehicle and potentially causing an accident. To prevent this, you want to make sure your tires are properly inflated before embarking on your journey.
Many sources claim that using nitrogen instead of air can help reduce the loss of tire pressure by one-third compared to using oxygen. Nitrogen molecules are larger than oxygen molecules, so they take longer to escape from the tires. This means that your tires will maintain their pressure for longer, ensuring better performance and improved safety on the road. However, before asking where to fill your tires with nitrogen, you want to double-check whether it is a viable option for your tires.
If you are concerned about the loss of pressure across long distances, you can invest in a manual pressure pump to top up your tires as you go.
Emergency blanket and food
No matter how much you prepare, there’s always a chance that something unexpected can happen on the road. Nobody wants to think of the worst-case scenario. Yet, planning for it could make a great deal of difference if things don’t turn out the way you want them to.
An emergency blanket can help keep you warm if you find yourself stuck in your car in the cold winter weather. It can also help if you need to change a flat tire or do repairs in sub-zero temperatures.
It’s essential to have emergency food on hand when embarking on a winter road trip. Whether it’s a few extra snacks for the drive or an actual meal in case of an emergency, having some food handy is always a good idea.
When it comes to emergency food, it’s best to stick to non-perishable items. Granola bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, and crackers are all great options. If you plan to be away from civilization for longer periods of time, you may want to consider packing more substantial items such as canned goods, vacuum-sealed items, or even freeze-dried meals.
Essential car tools
Essential car tools such as a tire pressure gauge, a tire iron, and jack, and a spare tire are must-haves for any trip.
A tire pressure gauge is also important for checking the tire pressure before and during a trip. When the temperature drops during winter, tires tend to lose pressure quickly, so make sure to check them regularly. If you are driving in areas with heavy snowfall, consider investing in snow tires, as they provide better traction and grip on icy roads.
A tire iron and jack are essential for changing a tire when needed. And, of course, don’t forget the spare tire. Before setting off on your journey, make sure that your spare tire is fully inflated and ready to use.
By being prepared with these essential car tools, you can avoid getting stranded on the side of the road during your winter road trip.
Winter trips can be exciting as long as you’re prepared for them! They can let you explore new regions in peace, as people are less likely to indulge in touristic activities in winter. It’s the ideal time to recharge your battery with friends on a snow trip!
