Preparation is part of any trip and should be especially so when heading out on a long journey by car, particularly in winter. Below is a quick checklist of questions to ask yourself before heading out on a long drive over the winter.
Tires. Have you checked that your tires are inflated to proper tire pressure? Are the treads still satisfactory for different types of weather you might encounter on the long drive?
Tire repair. Do you have a working jack? A spare tire that still holds air? A tire gauge and a tire sealer inflator can? And will you need a lug nut wrench to get the tire off?
Under the hood. Have you checked all fluids- like oil, transmission fluid and coolant? How about a windshield wash that won’t freeze up in sub-zero weather? What about parts that will be working harder than usual- like the battery, hoses and belts?
Emergency kit. Do you have a store-bought kit or are you assembling your own? Does your kit contain a tool kit with common sockets, pliers and screwdriver? Flashlight? Gloves? Duct tape? Jumper cables? Are flares included in your emergency kit?
Up-to-date maintenance. Are there any suspicious vibrations or knocking that you should ask a mechanic about? Have your wheels been balanced and aligned lately? Are your AC and heater in good working condition, and how will they perform after a long drive and hours on the road?
Cold weather kit. If you get stuck in cold weather, do you have the things you need to survive overnight in your car? Candles? A blanket? High-calorie food? Water?
Driving conditions. Keep an eye on current weather reports and, if possible, schedule your trip when conditions are best. If you have to drive in conditions like snow, adjust your speed and obey the rules of the road. Give snow plows plenty of space and, if possible, avoid passing snow plows. NEVER pass a snow plow on the right, as visibility and clearance make this extremely dangerous.
Route plan. Let others know your estimated departure and arrival time and, where service allows, consider taking along a well-charged cell phone. Pull over to a safe location to make any calls.
Extras. What might you run out of between gas stations? Windshield wash? Gas? Do you need a gas can? What else might you need?
Proper preparation can save you from problems on the long drive ahead. If your car is in need of maintenance, remember to leave yourself enough time for repairs well before your departure date.
