Winter Trip Driving /Preparation Tips
Are you planning a trip during the cold, snowy winter months? Make sure both you and your car are prepared.
Below are several tips; some are common sense, some are in accordance with the law here in New Jersey, and others may save you or your loved ones lives.
Is your car ready for the a long winter trip?
- Before you go:
- Get your car serviced by an experienced mechanic. Ask them to service your vehicle with a tune-up and to check for badly worn or leaky hoses, repairs and replacements.
- Far in advance, check regularly for recalls:
The NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, offers an online Recall Look-up tool which will let you check to see if your car has a recall that could create a critical safety issue if not corrected. This tool uses your vehicle’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). They also advise how to get the repair done for free! www.nhtsa.gov/recalls - If you are not familiar with the car that you will be driving (ie rental, borrowed, etc.), get familiar with the safety features and how they perform in wintry conditions.
- Get your car serviced by an experienced mechanic. Ask them to service your vehicle with a tune-up and to check for badly worn or leaky hoses, repairs and replacements.
- If driving Long Distance, Plan Your Route ahead of time.
- Check the anticipated weather conditions, road conditions and traffic and prepare accordingly.
- Take your time! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
- Familiarize yourself with the directions and maps before leaving. Check your GPS and let others know which route you are taking and the estimated time you expect to arrive.
- Bring emergency items with you!
Make sure you remember to pack winter-related supplies, just in case! This might include:- Jumper cables, flashlight and flares or emergency markers.
- A cell phone with charger
- Abrasive material, ie kitty litter or sand, just in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow
- Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper
- Tire Snow Aides (to help get traction in the even you get stuck.)
- Water, food, medicine for longer trips
- Blanket(s) in the event your car breaks down and you need to wait for assistance in the frigid cold weather.