Winter Road Trip Tips

Travel Tips for Winter

Going on vacation to places where you can experience all things ice and snow can make for some great fantastical adventures. You can go skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice fishing, or even climb a frozen waterfall! There is no limit to the fun and adventures you can have in a place that has a ‘real’ winter. However, there are some key differences that you will want to be aware of when you start driving in wintery conditions. If you have never driven in snow before (or if it’s been a while) make sure you review these winter road trip tips to help keep you safe on the road during your next snow-filled vacation.

Winter Road Trip Tips

The most important thing to keep in mind as your drive through different states is that every state will handle snow and ice differently.  The states that get snow often are better equipped to stay on top of keeping the main roads clear of snow and salted to limit ice build-up. The roads in states that don’t get snow regularly will take longer to get snow plows out and therefore their roads will be more difficult to navigate during snowstorms.  The amount of snow and ice on the roads makes a huge difference in how and if you will want to drive.

Learn the law.

Because each state will have different snow-related traffic laws based on its ability to handle snow and ice. When there is a snowstorm in Minnesota, which is very well-equipped to handle high levels of snow, they may have a few roads that shut down in extreme conditions but overall, it is ‘drive at your own risk’.  In Ohio, you can get a ticket if you are caught driving on the road depending on what snow emergency level is declared for each county.

Learn how your car handles snow and ice. 

Knowing your car’s capabilities will help you decide whether it is safe enough for you to drive depending on the road conditions. Lighter vehicles tend to be harder to drive in snow than heavier vehicles. Many people add weight to their cars by carrying cat litter, rock salt, or bags of sand in their trunks during winter to help with this problem- though it may not fix it entirely. The type of tires your vehicle has will also affect how your car will drive in snow.

Personally, I am very comfortable driving during poor winter road conditions, but I won’t take my current vehicle out until the roads are clear because it doesn’t handle snow well.

Get proper winter accessories for your car.

In the event of snow, it is always helpful to have these items in your vehicle, ice scraper, shovel, and cardboard. An ice scraper will help you clear the built-up snow and ice on your windows, headlights, and windshields so you can see and be seen on the roads.  The shovel is to dig your car out of a snow pile if you get stuck. The cardboard will help you gain traction if your vehicle is stuck on ice by placing it under your tires.

Keep an emergency kit in your car.

Your kit should have jumper cables, blankets, flares, and lots of snacks. Your car battery is more likely to die if it’s low in freezing temperatures and having jumper cables can get you on your way quickly. If your car breaks down or you slide off the road, you will want flares to show rescuers where to look. Due to the risk of hypothermia and of getting lost in a snowstorm, you should always stay with and preferably inside your vehicle. The blankets and food will help you survive until they can clear the roads or help comes. Make sure you have water for your longer trips but remember to be careful with leaving liquids in your vehicle.

Do not keep liquids in your car in freezing temperatures. 

My husband thought that soda cans exploding in your car wasn’t a real thing. IT IS! Liquids expand when they freeze. So, if you have full bottles or cans in your car and it freezes, they will crack or explode leaving a mess for you to pick up. It is also very loud and scary if you are in your car when it happens.

Winter Windshield Tips  

1. Make sure you’ve changed out your windshield wiper fluid for the kind that does not freeze. This is easy to forget but is very important as you will have to find a way to thaw the fluid if it freezes to remove it later. (This happened to me, and it was not fun).
2. Lift your windshield wipers off your windshield before a snow or ice storm. Sometimes the rubber on your wipers can freeze to the ice on your windshield and if you use them before everything is thawed, the rubber can break off and you will need new wipers.

Take it slow and brake early

If it is snowing or the roads are slippery, the most important thing is to take it slow. If the streets are icy, it can take several extra car lengths after you have started braking before your vehicle will come to a complete stop. Keep in mind that black ice occurs more often in areas where cars tend to idle, like at lights and stop signs. This is why you should start slowing down much further back than usual when approaching them. Aim to have your car stopped a car full length before where you will need to be. This way you will be less likely to hit a patch of ice and slide into the intersection.

You can also temporarily lose control of your car by taking a turn at a ‘normal’ speed in less-than-ideal road conditions. It’s helpful to ‘test’ the roads by seeing how much control you have with your steering and how your brakes are working BEFORE you get to a point of needing them. I tend to try out my brakes on the road in front of my house and on different roads (as long as there is no one behind me). I do this to help me know what to expect in case I have to brake suddenly.

Prepare for weather related delays. 

Depending on where you are traveling, some roads close completely for winter or during storms. Other roads, especially in mountainous areas, will require all vehicles to have chains on their tires. Leave enough leeway in your travel plans and budget for re-routing or delays due to storms. When in doubt, it will always be better to pull over and park somewhere until the roads clear up than to try to power through.

Be Prepared

The most important part of preparing for a winter road trip is to be prepared. Winter driving can be scary but with a little preparation, it really isn’t that bad. As long as you take your time, pay attention, and have the proper gear you should be fine! Whether you end up with a rental car or need to make sure your own vehicle is winter safe, don’t let the idea of a little snow or ice on the road hold you back.

If you are traveling with your dog, take a look at our Winter Dog Tips to help prepare you and your dog for a fun snow-filled time!

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