Planning a mountain road trip: Preparing for rocks, ice & snow
Some of the most scenic and beautiful locations in the U.S. are mountainous regions. They exhibit a beauty in winter that is more pristine than any other time of year. Don’t let winter stop you from enjoying all that the United States has to offer. Choosing a mountain road trip for your vacation may feel daunting, but with a bit of preparation, you can feel confident in conquering any obstacle that presents itself.
First, do your research! There are some mountainous regions that close to the public during the snowiest months of the year, depending on their geographical location, altitude, and expected weather conditions. Make sure you know ahead of time if your final destination will welcome you with open arms, instead of getting there and being turned away.
Winter is hard on vehicles. There’s the salt, the potholes, and if you’re traveling up mountain roads, there will be ice, snow, and rocks that can possibly damage tires and the car’s fragile exterior. Obtain car insurance quotes before your trip so that you can trek with peace of mind, knowing that whatever the journey might throw at you, you will be prepared for it.
Consider these preparations and tips to ensure your next trip up and over mountainous terrain will be a safe experience.
- Get a vehicle wellness check up. You and your family get checkups, so why shouldn’t your car? A mountain road trip is serious business, so take your car to your mechanic for a thorough once over so you can feel confident on those snowy, blowy roads. They will be able to let you know if your battery, brakes, tires, and everything else in the car is up to the task.
- Pack a survival kit. The whole reason why people go to the mountains is for the scenery and to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. This means, of course, that you may have to be responsible for your own survival if things don’t go in your favor. Be prepared with items such as extra blankets and snacks, but also kitty litter or sand for traction, a snow shovel, tire repair aerosol (as a last resort), a portable car battery charger, and an extra cell phone charger, just in case.
- Pay attention to the signs. You’re going to encounter a lot of different types of terrain and wildlife on your trip. Road signs are your friend, so pay close attention to them. They will warn you of traditionally slippery areas, wildlife running through, falling rocks, winding roads, and an increase or decrease in elevation, among others. Brush up to be familiar. Remember, red means warning, green means direction, blue is information for travelers, and yellow signs represent possible hazards.
- Brush up on your driving skills. Nobody is born with the ability to drive well. It’s a skill that is honed through experience, common sense, and knowledge of your car’s capabilities. Driving in the winter requires patience, a light foot on the gas pedal, and a calm demeanor if something goes wrong.
- Pack a spare. If you’re on a mountain road and happen to get a flat tire, you’ll want to be fully prepared to change the tire yourself. If you’re not sure how to do it, get your mechanic to show you or practice while following along to a DIY video. Keep a full-sized spare in the car, along with a jack and tire iron. Flares or orange cones will help drivers see you well ahead of time.
- Pack extra wiper blades. If you’re not able to see while driving, there’s no way you can continue your trip. Wiper blades easily become damaged due to sleet, ice on the windshield, and even accidental mishandling. Your mechanic or a DIY video can help you learn how to replace them yourself if you’re unsure. The last place you want to start learning is on a snowy mountain road with nobody else around!
- Fit the tires with chains. Be sure to find out if snow chains are permissible where you want to use them. Although they might be a little intimidating, snow chains are easy to install and use. First, fit the chains over your tires, drive slowly forward, and then stop to tighten them up. It’s best to do this before the weather gets too bad not only to save yourself discomfort but to also be sure you’re doing it correctly!
Why should summer get all the attention when winter can be lovely, regal, and make for a stunning road trip? When you prepare yourself and your car well ahead of time, you’ll feel more confident and ultimately have more fun to face the elements and conquer them!
