5 Essential Tips For A Winter Road Trip

Image Credit

Winter is always exciting, presenting several opportunities to create unforgettable memories indoors or outdoors. You can explore several activities during the season, whether on your own or with your loved ones, including a road trip. Believe it or not, a road trip is not only limited to summer; you can have a fun one during winter too! It could be for various reasons, including visiting family, exploring fascinating sites, going on a winter vacation, and so on. However, you must also be safety conscious throughout your journey to keep you and your family safe and warm. Here are some essential safety tips worth considering if you’re planning a road trip this winter.  

1. Join a roadside assistance program

Even with your best efforts, your car can let you down, especially in the middle of nowhere. Considering how lonely the roads can get during winter, the last thing you want is to end up stranded in the cold weather by the side of the road with no one in sight. That’s why you should consider investing in a roadside assistance program. This way, you can drive assured that you will get the roadside assistance you need should your car break down unexpectedly. Of course, it may mean dipping your hands into your pockets, but considering the benefits, every penny should be worth it. At a minimum, a roadside assistance program should provide fuel delivery, towing, lockout, and jumpstart services. 

2. Don’t forget your emergency kit

While packing for your road trip, remember to take along a well-stocked emergency kit. Your emergency kit should include basic first aid items, snacks, water, a torchlight, a fully-charged cell phone, warning flares, basic tools such as a wrench, pliers, screwdrivers, an emergency blanket, and paper towels. You can also add a pointed tool to break your car window if you’re trapped in your car. It would help if you also had some emergency contacts in your kit. Your insurance provider’s contact, your mechanic, and your lawyer’s contact are important. Your mechanic or roadside assistance provider can help in case of an accident. Additionally, your lawyer will ensure that you get help with the complex VA appeals process. Your insurance provider will also cover any other costs resulting from the accident. 

3. Check weather reports for road closures

Nothing is more frustrating than driving several miles only to find out a road or pass is closed.  In such an instance, you’ll have to drive back and look for a different route. To avoid this stress, check your local weather channel for road closures before you set off. Some people rely on Google Maps or updates on roads, but this option is not always reliable, especially in more remote locations. If you can’t watch the weather channel, search the road conditions of your location online, and you should get all the info you need. 

4. Invest in snow tires 

Switching from your regular tires to road tires during winter is advisable, as they are designed specifically for difficult winter terrain. Your local mechanic can hook you up with the right snow tires for your car. But don’t end there; check your tire pressure before you set off, especially if temperatures have dropped since you last checked your tire pressure. If you can’t change your tires, consider investing in snow chains. Snow tire chains will help you drive safer and avoid road accidents in icy or snowy conditions. Plus, they are very easy to install, effective on types of cars, and can handle any winter driving condition. 

5. Adopt safe driving skills

It’s best to leave home early so you don’t have to drive in haste. Driving in a hurry can cause you to miss out on important road-related situations that can easily lead to accidents. Also, an early start means you won’t have to accelerate too much to compensate for the lost time. Sudden acceleration and braking can easily cause your car to skid and make you lose control of your wheel. And if you become snowbound or stuck, it’s best to stay in your car. That will make it easier for roadside assistance and rescuers to find you.

Additionally, don’t forget to dress appropriately, clad in the right clothing for the season. It may not feel the most comfortable, but winter clothing will keep you warm throughout your journey. And before you set off, it’s advisable to have your car serviced by your local mechanic. With these safety tips, you’re sure to have a warm and fulfilling winter road trip.