6 Tips for Safe Winter Travel

It is past time to check out your vehicle to make sure it is in top form for winter. If you have not done so before now, now is the time to do it.

Like the Boy Scouts - Be Prepared

There are a couple of seasons, winter and summer, where you should prep your vehicle for the days ahead. This would include doing such basics as replacing windshield wipers if not done recently, checking the battery, radiator coolant, wiper fluid, spare tire- make sure it is aired up also, heater and defrost system in the winter, a/c in the summer. Perform a tune up if it is needed and change the oil. If you need special tires where you life for winter driving get them on. Also keep a set of chains with you and a small shovel.  And make sure you have that jack and lug nut wrench and they fit that vehicle.

Keeping Warm

If per chance your vehicle fails you and you are going to be stuck in it for a long time in the winter, a candle, lighter or matches should be in your kit. Putting a long lasting candle under a one gallon can will keep your entire car warm. Otherwise your car is death trap. It will be colder inside of it that outside.

What if you get stuck?

You never know when you may have to travel some unfamiliar or unused roads. Having some simple supplies on hand may become necessary to your survival or at least your comfort and peace of mind. There should ALWAYS be an emergency kit in your car or truck. This kit should include at least blankets, several days of food, several gallon of water, rope, hand crank flashlight, first aid kit, cat litter for tire traction, shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, lug wrench and jack with handle.

Icy Roads

Black  ice has to be one of the worst driving hazards a body can face. You cannot tell it is there until you are in it and sliding. Still worse braking only makes things worse. The best defense for back ice it to drive slow in those areas you suspect back ice could be. If it is freezing after rain or some warm days and melting snow can produce black ice. 

Pump the brakes slowly to slow down if you start sliding. If there is ice on place there probably ice in others. Keep alert  and keep alive.

Bad Weather

If you run into bad weather keep your radio tuned to a weather station. They will keep you informed of hazards and and road conditions and if the roads are closed or if you need chains. Keeping a hand crank radio in the trunk or in the emergency kit is also a good idea.

Some Cool and Sometimes Useful Items

With today's technology there is little excuse for not having a cell phone with you when traveling, Keep a connection for your hand held radio or hand held flashlight if it has a port for cell phone charging.  Having a portable GPS can keep you out of trouble if you get lost. If your cell phone does not have one consider getting a portable one for your kit. These things can be life savers in and of them selves.

Drive safe.