Be prepared for anything and everything.
The classic road trip is a touchstone of American travel culture. But do you know what to do if you get hit by wintry weather along the way?
Travelers should keep safety in mind whenever they get behind the wheel, but driving in the winter requires particular care. Road conditions can be more dangerous in the snow, and unprepared drivers run the risk of getting stymied by icy streets and freezing temperatures. To help you drive your best this winter, we’ve rounded up advice from auto experts across the world — and their top tip is simply to take things slow.
“The most important thing to remember is to drive slowly and steadily,” Anthony King, CEO of Transport Executive, shared with Travel + Leisure via email. Driving too fast on snow or ice, he added, can lead to skidding — a scary experience, but one you can avoid or control with careful driving. “In the event of a skid, stay calm and avoid slamming on the brakes, as this may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. The ideal method is to take it easy on the pedal and shift slightly into the skid before slowly accelerating.”
Here are five more tips for driving in snow that will help keep you safe on any winter road trip.
Warm up your vehicle before driving.
Thomas Brown, a driving instructor from Fairbanks, Alaska, with 30 years of experience, shared a piece of advice both you and your car will appreciate: if you’re in a cold environment, let your vehicle warm up before leaving the driveway.
“Wait 30 seconds to a minute after the engine starts before driving,” he explained. Not only will this give you some time to blast the heater and warm up, but it will also allow your engine to perform at its best. The optimal engine speed, Brown said, is between 2,000 and 3,500 RPM, and putting your car into immediate motion when it’s cold can force the engine out of that range — especially if you plan on driving fast. “Wait until the engine temperature rises to a normal operating temperature, then raise the speed.”
Install skid chains or snow tires.
If you’re traveling to a snowy area, Brown also suggested installing skid chains or a set of snow tires.
“Both of these items can enhance the grip of the vehicle to avoid skidding, but the skid resistance of snow tires is much better than the chain,” Brown said. “If you live in an area that has more than three months of snowfall a year, I recommend getting a new set of snow tires for your vehicle. If the snowfall doesn’t last long, installing a set of skid chains is adequate.” If you don’t feel like this is a task you can do alone, visit your local auto shop for a little help.
Perform some basic vehicle maintenance.
According to Ferenc Elekes, founder and editor of the vehicle-travel advice forum Overlandsite, it’s crucial to take care of your car so it can take care of you when driving in snow.
“First and foremost, maintenance is very important,” Elekes said. “Your car must be ready for the challenges winter conditions throw at it.” Winter road trippers should be sure to check all the basic systems of their car before heading out, he said, including the tires, brakes, battery, radiator, wiper blades and fluid, lights, defrost and heater, and other fluids. Running diagnostics is smart too. “Having your car in tip-top shape will not only increase your safety, but it will also give you peace of mind, which will make driving in winter more relaxed.”
Elekes also added that it’s a good idea to spend a little more on some upgrades if you can. “Changing the oil, upgrading tires, using different fluids, adding interior protection, and washing and waxing your car add extra protection for you and your vehicle, functionally and aesthetically.”
Pack for emergencies.
As Murphy’s Law states, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” You can prepare for this by considering potential issues and packing your car accordingly.
“For your safety, it’s advisable to pack some emergency essentials,” Elekes said. Also, choose specific items to pack for a winter road trip. “Depending on the length and style of your trip, essentials can range from the bare minimum, like a hazard triangle, ice scrapers, and tire chains, to being prepared for anything with tow straps, an extra battery, a shovel, tools for small repairs, and ice melt and traction materials.”
It’s also smart to have basic survival items on hand, such as food, water, and blankets, in case you get stuck by the roadside changing a tire or waiting on a tow.
Do your homework on the route.
Odds are, when planning a road trip, you’ll likely research your destination, including things like accommodations, attractions to see, and places to eat. But Kyle Kroeger, founder of ViaTravelers, recommends taking things one step further by looking up snow conditions as well.
“Do research on the area you’re visiting and speak to the locals for advice on places to avoid and places you can visit most safely,” Kroeger said. Furthermore, it can be a good idea to research gas stations along your route and the distances between them. “Make sure you never run out of gas,” Kroeger warned. “If you’re at all concerned about running out, turn back immediately.”
