The key to having a safe and enjoyable winter road trip lies in the preparation. Being prepared for any situation will give you confidence that your family will be safe throughout the trip, allowing you and your loved ones to relax, kick back, and enjoy the ride.
Car maintenance is a critical step in preparation and safety. Things to check up on could be any of the following:
- Oil change
- Tire rotation (or tire change)
- Check antifreeze level and fill if necessary
- Test your car battery (especially if it’s older)
- Make sure your gas level remains above a half tank; the more gas there is, the less condensation in the tank, which leads to an easier start
- Have a spare tire on hand
You can become stressed if you don’t have your trip planned out ahead of time. Important things to have planned before the trip are:
- Have an updated, tangible map of your route (in case your phone dies)
- Let someone know where you should be and when
- Anticipate the weather conditions during your trip
- Book hotel rooms ahead of time if possible
Your phone is going to be your best friend on the trip (this does not mean distracted driving!), your phone could potentially be your lifeline if you get stranded or in a crash. Be sure to have a charging cable with you, two to be safe. Along with this, keep your phone at a high charge at all times.
Many people like to keep “survival kits” in their cars, in the event of an emergency. A few appropriate items to keep in your survival kit are:
- A First-Aid kit
- Non-perishable foods (nuts, granola bars, etc)
- Bottled water
- Blankets
- Warm clothes
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- An ice scraper
We hope you travel safe this winter and enjoy your road trip.