Preparing Your Car for a Trip to the Snow

Chilled weather need not keep you from an incredible vacation. However, winter can make the roads dangerous, and on top of that, snow can put more strain on your drive. So, it calls for preparation for the challenging road conditions. Along with warm clothes, you should also ready your car for this journey.

Furthermore, being prepared doesn’t only mean having your car serviced and driving safely. If you’re planning a trip up to the ski fields this winter, then there are a few more things you need to know.

Get your car serviced

This is the foremost step you need to take when you plan a winter road trip. It is because you may not like to face a car breaking down in the middle of your trip. Drive your car to a mechanic at least three weeks before you head out for the trip.

Allow your mechanic to check every part of your vehicle. Also, if you already know you own an old battery, then ask him to replace it with a new one. Otherwise, a low-charge battery will disallow the engine to crank up due to chilled weather and leave you stranded in the middle of the road.

Check the fluids

This is another part of your car that needs your attention before your winter road trip. Therefore, check all the types of fluid before you begin with your journey. It includes:

• Brake fluid
• Coolant
• Radiator coolant
• Power steering fluid
• Windshield washer fluid
• Transmission fluid

You can avoid mechanical problems by having the proper level of these fluids. As well, make sure that you add suggested antifreeze to your car’s cooling system. Otherwise, the coolant will quickly begin to freeze when left in icy-cold weather.

Check your tyres

The blowout of tyres is the most common problem during a trip. Also, when the tyre meets the road surface, the tread spreads water. However, the worn tread will hold captive the water between the tyre surface and road surface, which can further lead to loss of your grip, causing hazardous slides when braking.

Therefore, you need a tread depth of more than 1.5mm (more than a minimum roadworthy measure). You can even count on the winter tyres for the trip; it will improve your grip and traction. Additionally, maintain the tyre pressures as recommended in the owner’s manual.

Determine the need for tyre chains

In some regions, snow chains are a must during the winter road trip. So, you can either purchase or hire a set of chains for your car.

Furthermore, you should also know how to attach them. For that, you can check the instructions mentioned in the owner’s manual. Or else, ask the store staff from where you’ve purchased the snow chains to show you the demo of its fitting. Needless to say, test-fit the chains before you head for your trip.

Check wiper blades

Malfunctioned wiper blades can impact your visibility. Therefore, inspect the condition of wipers as they tend to get stuck in extreme weather. Make sure that they’re wiping properly and aren’t displaying any signs of replacement.

Look for signs like brittleness or cracks on blades. Also, check whether the wiper blades are making any noise or are not doing their job properly. If you find any of these signs, then it’s a perfect time to replace them.

Use the right fuel

This is a must-do step, especially when you own a diesel vehicle. The ordinary fuel can get thickened during your trip, which can devise wax crystals. Further, it will clog filters, injectors and fuel lines if the temperature is around -3 degrees Celsius or lesser than that. If you leave your car outside in this condition, then it can crank the engine.

Therefore, use the right fuel that has special features of preventing wax crystals in chilled weather. You can even take advice from your serviceman about the right fuel.

Research properly

Many people have a misconception that driving in snowfields needs a 4WD vehicle. But, if truth be told, then you don’t need it. You merely need to make sure that you know how to drive on ice and snow. If needed, then do proper research too. Also, count in the following advice:

• Put snow chains: Once fitted, alter your driving style; you should speed up your car above 40km/h.
• Slow down when in snow: It doesn’t matter how experienced a driver you are and how great a tech safety vehicle you own, drive smoothly on icy roads.
• Control your car when it’s about to skid: When you get the feeling that your car is going to skid, move your foot from the accelerator and slow down the speed without touching the brakes.

Learn to clear ice/snow from your car

While heading home after your trip, you may observe snow accumulation on your windscreen, roof and bonnet. So, don’t discharge hot water onto your windscreen; it would lead you to pay for the replacement of the cracked windscreen.

You can use a plastic ice scraper and de-icing fluid to scrape away the snow. Also, check the wipers of your car; they shouldn’t be iced onto your windscreen. Otherwise, they’ll strip the rubbers off the blades when the wipers are on.

Hopefully, the above information must have helped you with the preparation of your winter road trip. Besides this, also make sure you have a spare wheel, an emergency winter kit that includes food, medical supplies and a blanket.

Also, read here: Minor Car Problems that You Shouldn’t Ignore