Winter Preparedness Tips

Be prepared to tow in the snow.

Life doesn’t stop just because it snows. And you can’t avoid being on the road, especially if your work or hobbies keep you out and about – can’t race those snowmobiles around the kitchen island after all. So, when you’re preparing for long trips or daily commutes, consider the following winter vehicle inspections, equipment & tools, and supplies to stay safe and comfortable.

Preventative Vehicle Inspection List for Winter

First, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper equipment and vehicle setup. A winter inspection of your vehicle before any winter trip can prevent issues before they even happen.

1. Verify your lights are operational, both on your vehicle and towable.
2. Ensure safety chains and their mounting points are secure.
3. Verify the trailer is locked and pinned in correctly.
4. Look for frayed or loose wiring in the wiring harness and ensure the plug is free of corrosion.
5. Check that your tires, both on your vehicle and your towable, have appropriate PSI and wear.
6. Test your battery and spark plugs and replace them if necessary.
7. Check your fluids, keep your gas tank at least half full and replenish your windshield wiper fluid, especially if you expect bad weather.

Air Bags for your Suspension

Air bags for your truck suspension, such as those sold by Air Lift, provide support when hauling or towing heavy loads and can help reduce hauling & towing hazards like squat, poor steering control and responsiveness, poor headlight aim, trailer sway, and body roll. Mitigating these common issues is especially important during the winter, when dangerous weather and road conditions can amplify those issues. Steering control, headlight aim, and trailer stability are all especially useful when driving in darker, more slippery conditions. Thanks winter…

Handy Tools For Winter Driving

Winter conditions can cause more stress on our vehicles so, even after a towing guide once over and thorough inspection, you may find yourself with a mechanical issue. Having the right tools to repair common mechanical issues will get you back on the road much faster.

• Travel shovel for digging out if your vehicle gets stuck in snow.
• Tools needed to change a tire like a vehicle jack, lug wrench or four way and a spare tire.
• Snow tires will provide extra traction and control.
• Ratchet straps and a tow line or chains.
• Flashlights or spotlights for repairing anything in the dark. They will also help other drivers to see your vehicle and avoid hitting it as they drive by.
• Flares and roadside markers, like cones or reflectors.
• Jumper cables may be necessary more often in the winter months when the cold makes our vehicles a little more sluggish.

Emergency supplies to have in your vehicle

If you have ever asked yourself, what emergency supplies should I have in my vehicle, or happen to be in a situation where you are temporarily stranded, you’ll want to be prepared. Keep the following supplies in your vehicle during winter to stay safe and comfortable.

1. First aid kits are imperative for treating minor injuries.
2. Container of gas so you can keep the engine running longer to provide heat.
3. Winter clothing, like coats, hats, and gloves.
4. Blankets for warmth and comfort. They call it a safety blanket for a reason!
5. Water and non-perishable food.
6. Keep your cell phone fully charged and keep a phone charger and portable power bank available and charged.

Winter driving is inevitable for some of us and that comes with risk, but the right preparations can keep you safe and comfortable in the event or a roadside accident or mechanical breakdown. This list is a good starting point for preparedness, but every situation is different. Think about where you’ll be driving and who you may have with you and plan accordingly. We all want you and your loved ones to have a safe and happy ride during the winter!