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This year if you have decided to head out to friends or family for the holidays, you may be concerned about being on the road in winter weather.  If you live somewhere that snow and ice are common, winter road trips can be tough to navigate.  Here are some great tips on How to Make Winter Road Trips Safer.  Not only will your family arrive at your destination safely, you’ll have all the tools on hand should a problem arise.

How to Make Winter Road Trips Safer

Pack an Emergency Kit:  For winter this needs to include food, water, extra clothing or emergency blankets, flares, a battery operated radio and gloves.  Make sure you have some means of communication as well, so adding in a battery operated phone charger can be a great idea.  Even if you area only stranded for an hour on the side of the road, it can be very uncomfortable without these supplies.

Invest in Roadside Service Plan:  Upgrade your vehicle insurance plan to include roadside service, or pay the flat annual rate with AAA that provides you with towing, tire repair and even gas refill in emergencies.

Know Your Route:  If you are heading out on a road trip during winter conditions, make sure you know not only the route you are taking, but alternate detours.  Don’t rely solely on a GPS system to direct you.  Carry a map or Atlas of the state(s) and areas you will be traveling so you have information on hand you can follow along with.

Let Someone Know You Are Traveling:  Make sure that someone back home always knows when you will be on the road.  Having someone who can and will check in on you will come in handy should something go wrong.  They can put out a search if needed.

Tune Up Your Car:  Everything from a transmission and radiator flush to new tires should be done as the winter months approach.  Before setting out on any road trip, make sure your vehicle is up to date on all of its’ regular maintenance.  Also adding chains for your tires into the trunk is a great idea for those last minute snow storms that roll in.

Install Snow Chains– If you are going to be traveling in areas that are prone to a lot of snow and ice, install snow chains onto your tires so you will get better traction on the road.

Buy Anti-Freeze– Make sure to have a supply of anti-freeze in your car. This will prevent your engine from seizing up. Windshield washer fluid will also help to keep your windshield clear while you are driving.

 This year head out with your family for fun adventures or family visits without fear.  Making winter road trips safer simply means you go prepared and have a plan in place should something go wrong.  Be prepared with alternate ways of travel, emergency kits as needed and, of course, plenty of fuel at all times.