Arriving Safe and Happy: Winter Road Trip Tips for Families

When you’re planning a road trip during the winter months, there are a few key things to consider before you and the family hop in the car. Winter road trips bring on some additional risk, and it’s important you prepare for the harsh conditions of the road during this period. Here are our best tips for traveling safe during this period.

Check Your Tires

For safe travel, ensure you have a good tire tread and that the tire pressure is where it should be. During cold weather, your tire pressure will drop with the cold temperatures, so it is crucial to check it before you leave. You may also want to consider getting winter tires if you are going to be doing a lot of driving in that season. Having the right tires and knowing they are in good shape and full of air is an integral part of safe driving, even more critical when roads are unpleasant.

Pack a Winter Safety Kit

When taking a road trip, it’s good to have a safety kit; emergencies happen, and it never hurts to be prepared. If you are taking a road trip during winter, add a few things to that kit. Blankets and tools for digging out a stuck car are a must-have. We recommend you have a shovel and keep some de-icer close by in case you get stuck. Sometimes your trunk, doors, or hood can get frozen shut, and having deicer will make your life a lot easier.

In addition, you should have a safety kit year-round. It’s also a good idea to have first aid, portable power banks, flairs, non-perishable food and water, and jumper cables to ensure you are ready when things get tough, especially with winter’s dangerous driving conditions.

Research your Route

Many roads in hilly terrain are vulnerable to heavy snowfall. As a result, they usually end up getting closed down when it snows heavily. When mountains get icy and covered in snow, conditions can become unfit for driving rather quickly. So, before embarking on a trip, confirm if you are heading into a mountainous region. You should know the type of terrain and find the best route ahead of time to make sure you don’t end up getting stuck or delayed for an important event.

Get Your Vehicle Serviced

Before heading out on your trip, take your vehicle in for service. This is an essential part of any road trip. Winter driving takes an even bigger toll on your car, so it’s a good idea to let a mechanic take a look at everything before getting on the road. This can help in catching potential issues before your journey.

Top off Your Fluids

Ensure all your fluids are topped off, including your windshield washer fluid. Lots of salt and debris can load up on your windshield during winter driving, and you will run out of these vital fluids quickly unless you topped them off before hitting the road.

Knowing your route and making sure your vehicle is in tip-top shape are all critical for a safe road trip this coming winter. These tips will help arrive safely and happily at your destination this winter.

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