8 Tips For Winter Road Trips

Planning to take a road trip this winter? Check out these ways to successfully (and safely) make it happen and visit Chase.com/drive to find the car for the journey.

If you're road-tripping through the snow (or just really cold weather!) this winter, you'll want to do a few extra things to prepare. Here are eight ways to make your next road trip go as smoothly as possible:

1. Keep An Eye On The Weather

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Snow can be unpredictable so make sure you frequently check the weather. If you know what kind of driving conditions you can expect, it'll be easy to make any adjustments to your route or drive times if needed.

2. Prepare Your Car For The Long Drive

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Before you hit the road, you'll want to ensure your car is working well. Make sure your lights are working, your tire pressure is in the correct range, and that your car fluids are good to go. Consider taking your car to a mechanic for a routine checkup if you'd rather have a pro get it in shape!

3. Pack Plenty Of Warm Clothing

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Though you won't want to wear too many layers while driving, it's always a good idea to pack plenty of jackets, hats, and gloves for the trip. If your car has space, it's better to have too much stuff than not enough.

4. Create A Reasonable Driving Schedule

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You won't have as much sunlight as you did in the summer, so it's important to schedule a reasonable number of driving miles each day. You also never know when a road won't be cleared or when you'll run into an obstacle. Give yourself some extra time!

5. Fill Up On Gas Or Make Sure You're Charged

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Got half a tank? It's time to refill. It's better to stop for gas too often than not enough, especially when you're driving through areas without much around. And if you're driving an electric car, it's just as important to be mindful about how much battery you have left. You definitely don't want to get stranded in the snow.

6. Grab Snow Supplies

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Though there are plenty of car-related items you'll want to bring along for road trips at any time of year, there's lots of snow-specific gear you also can't forget. A shovel for digging out of a rough spot? Some sand for creating traction? An ice-scraper for seeing out the windshield? Check, check, and check.

7. Bring An Extra Phone Charger

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Because your phone doubles as your GPS, you'll want to make sure it has a way to stay alive even if your main charging cord stops working. Want to be even more prepared? Bring a power bank along!

8. Don't Forget Those Sunglasses

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Just because it's cold out doesn't mean you should leave your sunglasses at home. UV rays still exist in the winter and when the sun reflects on the snow, the world can look a little too bright.

Need some way to embark on your winter road trip? Chase can help you purchase a car you can afford. Visit Chase.com/drive to shop vehicles, compare prices, and apply for financing.

This article is for educational purposes only and provides general auto information. The material is not intended to provide legal, tax, or financial advice, or to indicate the availability or sustainability of any JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. product or service. Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Chase is not responsible for, and does not provide or endorse third-party products, services, or other content. For specific advice about your circumstances, you may wish to consult a qualified professional.