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Winter Driving – Cold Trip Car Prep

February 17th, 2012 Autos alvinwriter

Many of you will be out on the road these days, likely going to visit friends or relatives. Some extra precautions should be taken before driving out there in the freezing cold, to prevent you from getting stranded in snow or at the roadside due to engine failure, and turning what should have been another memorable road trip into a nightmare you would want to forget, if you survive.

Antifreeze

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One of the most important things to check, of course, is your antifreeze. Make sure you have it, in the first place, and that it is still effective. It must be checked every year to ensure this is so.

Fluid Levels

Check that the oil level is correct. Check brake, power steering, and automatic transmission fluid levels. See if any of these may be due for a scheduled change.

Tires

Winter can reduce the inflation of tires, so see that tire pressure is maintained. The recommended tire pressure to follow is the one given by the vehicle manufacturer, not the one indicated on the tire.

Belts and Hoses

Inspect belts and hoses for wear and tear. If in doubt, always replace. Few things ruin a trip more than a broken belt or hose.

Electricals

Another thing essential to winter driving is the electrical system. Make sure the battery charges when the engine runs. Ensure that all lights and wipers are working, and of course the heater, too. If even one of these is out of order, you can forget about driving in winter.

Snow Driving Kit

Guard against getting stranded with a bag of abrasive material such as sand, rock salt, or even cat litter, a snow shovel and brush, and traction mats. Throw an ice scraper, booster cables, and a flashlight into the kit also. Add window washing liquid, a cleaning cloth, warning flares or triangles, gloves, and a blanket. And never forget one essential part of an emergency kit, your cell phone. Make sure you bring it in the first place, and that it is fully charged.

First-Aid Kit

Always essential on every road trip, your first-aid kit should be well-stocked with bandages, gauze, cotton, antiseptic pain-killers, preferably not varieties that sting badly, splints, and even allergy medicine. Always check all items before embarking on any journey to make sure none of these have expired. Try to make it a habit to regularly check these items, even when no road trips are planned.

Driving in snow can be pretty intimidating, at times. If conditions are still normal, then these precautions should ensure you have a safe and happy trip. But be up-to-date on the weather before starting off, and if conditions are getting worse, then the rule that prevention is better than the cure applies, and it will be much better to stay home, warm and safe, instead.