In the early part of the pandemic, the shelter-in-place orders were tough, but people overcame the challenges. The lockdowns affected around 316 million people in many states across the country. Now that things are opening up again, it’s time to get out and enjoy life.
Many people go on summer road trips because of the warm weather, and the kids are out of school. However, winter road trips can be just as fun. The scenery is different, and you can enjoy winter activities like skiing and snowboarding.
If you’re planning a winter road trip, here are some tips to help you prepare:
Make a list of what you need to pack.
Making a list is essential for two reasons. The list helps you organize what you need to pack and ensures you don’t forget anything. It also keeps you from overpacking. If you only have limited space in your car, you don’t want to fill it up with unnecessary items.
Some things to consider packing for a winter road trip include:
- Warm clothes
- Snow gear
- Blankets and pillows
- Food and snacks
- Entertainment (books, games, etc.)
Check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly.
Before embarking on a winter road trip, one of the most important things is to check the weather forecast. This will help you plan your route accordingly and pack the appropriate clothing and gear.
Vehicle crashes injure around 76,000 people during snowfall or sleet every year. The weather condition also kills about 900 people each year. So you should not underestimate the weather conditions. If you do, you could end up stranded in the middle of nowhere with no way to protect yourself from the cold.
Check the forecast for the entire route you plan to take, as well as for your destination. This way, you can be prepared for any weather changes and ensure you’re not caught off guard.
Pack warm clothes and blankets.
Packing warm clothes and blankets is essential when traveling in the winter. The weather can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere without any way to protect yourself from the cold.
Pack plenty of warm clothes, including jackets, hats, gloves, and scarves. It’s also a good idea to pack extra blankets and pillows. This way, you can be prepared for any situation.
Prepare your vehicle for the trip.
Another important thing to do before embarking on a winter road trip is to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the trip. This means checking your car’s tires, brakes, and other essential components.
You should also make sure you have enough gasoline and antifreeze. Antifreeze is a special liquid you mix with water to regulate the engine during winter. It ensures the engine maintains an even operating temperature during extreme temperatures. Antifreeze also keeps proper fluid levels and helps to prevent corrosion.
You should also ensure your car is well-maintained. If possible, bring the vehicle to an official auto shop of the brand. For instance, a Subaru factory maintenance shop is ideal for an Impreza, Forester, or Crosstek. Bringing these vehicles to the shop ensures they get authentic parts if they need replacement. It also allows them to receive maintenance from specially-trained technicians of the brand.
Bring an emergency kit.
Keeping an emergency kit in your car is also a good idea. The emergency kit should contain a flashlight, extra batteries, jumper cables, and bottled water. You should also consider bringing a shovel and some sand or salt. These can be useful to get you out of the snow.
You should also bring a first aid kit for your winter road trip. The kit should contain band-aids, gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and antiseptic cream.
Check the condition of the roads.
Before you start your journey, it’s important to check the condition of the roads. This is especially important if you’re traveling in an area with a lot of snowfall. You can check the roads’ condition by visiting the Department of Transportation website or by calling 511.
The website of the Department of Transportation provides information on road conditions, closures, and construction projects. You can also visit their website for winter weather driving tips.
When planning your route, it’s also a good idea to consider the condition of the roads. If you’re traveling on roads that are in poor condition, you might want to consider taking a different route.
It’s important to consider the weather conditions and the condition of the roads if you’re planning a winter road trip. You should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the trip. It’s also a good idea to pack warm clothes and an emergency kit. By following these tips, you can ensure that your winter road trip is successful.
