You and your family have a great trip planned traveling up north skiing - only your pleasant journey is interrupted. Your vehicle has become trapped in a few feet of snow on a rather remote road and you have no shovel to get yourself out. Yes, it gets worse as it is below freezing with blizzard conditions expected.
Without the proper tools and essentials, your weekend getaway can become your worst nightmare! Don't be a victim...the following steps will ensure you arrive at your destination safely:
Vehicle Check-Up. Just as you would check you car prior to any long trip, it is even more critical to inspect the following elements on your car prior to winter travels:
Tire Pressure - According to the Goodyear Tire Company, winter is the time when the inflation of your car's tire drops. This is because the air inside the tire goes down as the temperature around also drops. If the temperature drops to around ten degrees, the tire pressure also goes down by about one to two pounds.
Antifreeze - Antifreeze has a lifespan of only two years because it decomposes. It loses its protection agencies and begins to form acids which could actually cause problems with your vehicle. Make sure you have enough coolant and that there are no leaks if the level is low.
Oil - Check the oil level and color: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's o.k. but will need to be changed soon. If it's white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your car inspected!
Wiper Blades - Ensure your blades are clean and in good condition. If they are producing streaks on your windshield, this can greatly impact your visibility in already poor conditions.
Plan Your Route. Prepare the safest route to your destination taking only major highways and roads, if possible. Never take shortcuts, especially in bad winter weather. Be sure to let someone know when you leave, what your route will be, and what time you will arrive.
Watch the Weather. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere or by the side of the road, getting into a car accident, running off the road - these are all possibilities that are greatly increased with poor weather conditions including icy roads and highways, blizzards, and hazardous road conditions. It may be 70 degrees and perfect when you depart; however, you could be headed towards white-out conditions!
Emergency Supplies. Make sure you have extra food and water, extra warm clothing including gloves, scarves etc., compass/GPS, first aid kit, Swiss army knife, basic tools (screwdrivers, wrench, pliers) flashlight flares and spare tire. In addition, extra fluids including oil, antifreeze, wiper fluid etc.
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