Always give yourself extra travel time when you expect winter conditions.
If driving a rental car, request 4-wheel drive and/or snow tires.
Between November 1 and March 30, all vehicles traveling over a mountain pass must carry chains. Les Schwab sells chains and if you don't use them you can return them for full refund.
If driving your own vehicle, make sure your car has had a recent check-up: Check the battery, replace your coolant with antifreeze, replace old wiper blades and use wiper fluid with de-icer.
Cold weather changes the inflation of your tires – before you leave home, check that they are properly inflated; and don’t forget to check the spare!
Carry tire chains; practice putting them on before you leave home.
Test your heater and defroster. Cold air blowing from what should be your heating system can make for a very uncomfortable trip.
Your Winter Road Trip Emergency Kit
A flashlight with extra batteries or light sticks
A basic first aid kit
Paper towels and rags
At least one gallon of water
Non-perishable food items that need no heating such as energy bars
A warm blanket or sleeping bag and pillow
Non-clumping kitty litter, road salt or sand
An ice scraper, snow brush and a sturdy shovel
Extra car fuses
Coats, gloves, hats and boots for each passenger
Rain ponchos
Hand warmers/foot warmers
Duct tape
Multipurpose tool (screwdriver, knife, corkscrew for the emergency wine bottle!)
Garbage sack
Bungee cords
Coveralls, work gloves and a painter’s cloth (for installing chains in the snowy muck!)
An emergency blanket
Emergency candles and a 5# coffee can, with Lid (this can be used for a number of things)
Waterproof matches
Toilet paper roll
CLICK HERE to download a Checklist / Shopping List from WSDOT
