Winter driving doesn’t have to be stressful if you’re prepared for the roads. Making sure your car is safe and won’t leave you stranded in the snow or rain is the first step in having a great road trip. Remember to pack lots of snacks for the road and to take note of stops along the way where people may use the facilities. With a few easy steps, you’ll be ready to hit the road and travel wherever adventure takes you.

The most important thing to remember when driving in the winter is to make sure you get your snow tires put on your vehicle, or ensure your all-weather tires are mud and snow approved. Without good tires you won’t get very far. Check the driving conditions ahead of your trip. If you don’t have winter tires some tire chains might be able to get you out of a tough spot. 

Take your car in before you go to ensure it’s running optimally so you won’t face unexpected breakdowns and be stranded on the side of the road in the cold. These checks should include basics such as an oil change, and battery check, as well as a chance to deal with any issues or noises you’ve been dealing with. If you get your car looked over before you go you’ll be able to travel with peace of mind.

Having a good destination is always the best part of driving. Virginia is full of interesting places to see, and things to do in the winter. For example you could check out the Jefferson Pools, a natural hot spring that will keep you toasty on a chilly winter day. Legend has it that when Thomas Jefferson visited the pools he didn’t leave for 3 weeks! If you prefer to be a little more active in the winter check out one of Virginia’s many ski resorts, or take a hike on The Peaks of Otter. With so many options it could be hard to pick out just one!

Hitting the road well prepared could be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a difficult one. We hope some of these tips will help you next time you need to venture out into the cold. If you need to get your car checked or tires changed get in touch with us today!