Ski trips, visits to Grandma’s house, and unexpected weather may have you out on the road when weather isn’t always conducive for a long, leisurely drive. Winter driving can keep you from chilling out, especially if you aren’t prepared for the trip–really prepared.
Check out these tips from BMW of Freehold that will help you enjoy your winter road trip in safety and in comfort.
Get a health check for your car
Getting stuck by the side of the road on a beautiful fall day may not be the worst thing that could happen, but if the temperatures are plummeting, or you’re faced with difficult weather conditions, stopping to take care of car issues is much more inconvenient and dangerous.
To ensure your car is road-ready and able to withstand inclement weather, make sure to keep up with routine maintenance. It may be a good idea to bring it in to the BMW of Freehold service department for a multi-point inspection. This mechanical “physical exam” will let you know what needs to be repaired or replaced before you set out on your road trip.
Routine maintenance will alleviate the need for pit stops at out-of-state money-gouging garages or fly-by-night repair shops. It will also give you the confidence you’ve done everything necessary to ensure a safe trip for you and your passengers.
Service technicians will:
- Check your battery. Cold weather is tough on batteries, and no one wants to deal with a dead battery on a cold morning.
- Check for slow leaks, worn hoses and other needed repairs or replacement parts
- Check your windshield wipers and your window defrosters.
- Check to see that your windshield-washer reservoir is filled to the top.
- Check your coolant levels in your car and use anti-freeze made to withstand cold temperatures.
- Check your tires and make sure they’ve got plenty of tread.
- Install snow tires if you choose to use them and make sure the tire pressure is at the optimum level.
Prepare for the worst
- Charge your cell phones so you start off with a full charge.
- Bring along your car charger so you can keep your cell working.
- Pack a bag of snacks and water bottles just in case you need them.
- Pack a bag of emergency equipment like a first-aid kit, jumper cables, shovel, ice scraper, and blankets.
- Plot your road trip and share the directions with another person who can help track you down if something goes wrong.
- Fill up your car with gas, and don’t let it go lower than half a tank to avoid freezing gas lines.
Bring along the fun
- Make up a playlist or grab an audiobook for some entertainment on the road.
- If children are passengers, make sure they assemble a special bag that includes their favorite blankets, toys, or snacks.
- Children get bored easily, so surprise them with some new games or toys suitable for a car trip.
- Sweets can calm a crying child or stop the pangs of hunger; dole them out in emergencies or include them as part of your fun winter road trip.
Safe travels!
