Buckle up: 12 tips for taking a safe winter road trip
Snow, ice, sleet, slush — if you’re going on a winter road trip, you need to know how to deal with the season’s inclement weather, preferably before you turn the key in the ignition. Even if you’re planning a winter road trip specifically to avoid snow, it’s still good to study up.
Not all winter road trips will involve extreme weather conditions, but you don’t need to be driving in Alaska to run into winter driving conditions. Remember that it’s not just snow but ice and below-freezing temperatures that can affect a winter road trip.
“Many drivers don’t know what to do when the weather gets cold,” Benjamin Leuchter, a test and development driver for Volkswagen, said. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan winter driving adventures — in fact, we’re big fans of ski trips. It just means you’ll want to prepare to drive in snowy conditions to avoid getting stuck, according to Leuchter.
Before hitting the road this winter, follow these tips from Leuchter and other car safety experts to stay safe during a cold-weather road trip.
Bring winter safety essentials
“Having some essential items in your vehicle before hitting the road is key to not only give you peace of mind but to ensure you’re prepared in case of bad weather,” Suzanne Johansson, a safety engineer at Chevrolet, said.
In addition to a snow brush and an ice scraper, Johansson recommends keeping a snow shovel and abrasive material, such as sand or cat litter, in your car. You’ll also want to have jumper cables, a flashlight and emergency flares in case you encounter unexpected problems.
While you may not want to wear your heaviest coat, boots and gloves when you get behind the wheel (it can be hard to drive when you’re overly bundled), Johansson recommends stowing cold-weather clothing in your car. She also suggests keeping a blanket or sleeping bag in your emergency winter car kit should you need extra layers to stay warm if you get stuck or stranded.
Pack a DIY car emergency kit
In addition to the previously mentioned winter-specific car items, experts at AAA strongly recommend packing a well-stocked emergency kit before venturing out in your vehicle. Create a bag that includes a cellphone charger, a flashlight with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, drinking water, and extra snacks and food for travelers and pets to keep in your car.
Prepare your car for winter
In the days leading up to a long trip, set aside time to get your car checked by an expert. “Have your dealer or a trusted mechanic do any scheduled service on your vehicle [before you embark on a trip in wintry conditions],” Johansson said. During this service visit, make sure your battery, tires, headlights, brake lights, wiper blades and other critical parts are tested and ready for winter, she added.
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Check your tires
Since your tires are the only parts of your car that actually touch the road, it’s especially important to make sure they’re ready to roll before your winter road trip begins. Start by checking the tread depth, which you can do by inserting a quarter (head first) into the tread, AAA advises. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires.
Leuchter also advises checking the pressure on all four tires, especially in winter when it tends to drop with the temperature. Routinely check and adjust your tires’ pressure to the recommended levels for your vehicle, which are listed inside the driver’s side door jamb.
Hit the car wash
Having a clean car may not be top of mind when you’re preparing for a winter road trip, but it’s a commonly missed tip that our experts say you should prioritize. This is especially true for cars with advanced safety features that rely on sensors and cameras. In the front, keep the windshield, front grill, front bumper area and headlamps clean. In the rear, make sure the rear camera lens and rear bumper are clean.
Download the right apps
Another way to prepare for a winter road trip is to load your phone with helpful apps. Here are a few options:
- Weather Underground, Weather, Weather Bug: Any weather app that provides both long-range forecasts and emergency weather alerts based on your current GPS (like these) will ensure you receive up-to-date information about driving conditions throughout your journey.
- GasBuddy: This app is designed to help you find the cheapest gas as you drive to your destination, but it also doubles as a way to locate the closest service station in an emergency.
- ChargePoint, ChargeHub, Electrify America: Travelers with electric vehicles should use one of these apps to find nearby charging locations.
- Waze: Use this directions app to get real-time, crowd-sourced road conditions and hazards.
- Google Maps: This app allows you to download directions for offline use so you can always know how to get to your destination, even if you lose your phone signal.
- TripWhistle: One of our favorite travel apps, TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily text or send your GPS coordinates.
- Hotel Tonight: Another go-to app among TPGers, this last-minute booking app can locate the closest available hotel room and find you the lowest price in case you need to get off the road and take a break.
Read the manual
When was the last time you read your car’s safety manual? It’s another overlooked prep step, Johansson said. Before you set out, take some time to review the sections of your owner’s manual that cover antilock brakes, traction control and four- or all-wheel drive (if equipped). This way, you’ll be aware of your vehicle’s features and how to use them before you need to.
Skip cruise control
While you may be tempted to use car features like speed-maintaining cruise control, Leuchter recommends avoiding cruise control systems since the frequency of stops may increase in wintry conditions. Instead, manually control your car’s position so that there’s more distance — at least three car lengths — between your vehicle and the car in front of you. Also, avoid quick acceleration, aggressive steering and sudden braking, Leuchter said.
Fill up the gas tank and other car essentials
It’s important to stay fueled and charged since bad weather can cause unexpected delays, Johansson said. She recommends keeping your gas tank at least half full and your cellphone charged whenever you head out in your car in winter. Additionally, you’ll want to check that your windshield washer fluid is filled with an antifreeze solution to protect your visibility on the road.
Be prepared for slower EV charge speeds
If you drive an electric vehicle, temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit can dramatically reduce charging power by nearly 36% compared to charging at the optimal 60- to 80-degree range, according to Electrify America. Be sure to plan out your charging stops so you’re not caught without power. Try to park indoors in a garage if possible — the higher indoor temperatures can help your battery hold a charge for longer in addition to charging more quickly.
Know what to do if you start to skid
If you’ve ever driven in icy weather, you’ve probably experienced that stomach-churning feeling when your tires connect with an icy road. While hitting a patch of ice and consequently skidding can cause nerves, it’s important to stay calm and resist the urge to slam on the brakes, according to AAA. Instead, decide where you want the car to go and steer in that direction.
Dig out and stay warm while you wait for help
Should you find yourself stuck in snow or ice and waiting for help, clear the snow from the base of your vehicle, especially around the exhaust pipe, Johansson said. Then, intermittently run the vehicle to keep the interior warm. Don’t forget to open a window about two inches to bring in fresh air.
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