New England is a beautiful part of the world and offers a range of year-round activities. During Fall and winter, the scenery is the most stunning and an ideal time to consider skiing in New Hampshire or ice skating on Frog Pond, Boston Common. To make sure you are well prepared, here is the essential winter road trip checklist.
Wheels
The most important item for a road trip is the vehicle. If you plan to drive up to mountain areas to ski or snowboard, your car must handle snowy and icy terrain. Cars with All Wheel Drive or full-time Four-Wheel Drive systems are the best. Electronic traction aids such as anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control all contribute to having a safer drive.
If you have a lot of luggage or sports equipment to take on your road trip, it makes sense to have a large vehicle such as an SUV. The Chevy Tahoe has been the bestselling full-size SUV year after year. Powered by a 5.3-liter V8, churning out 355 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque, snow-covered roads barely stand a chance. Check out Chevy dealerships in CT for this and other winter-friendly vehicles.
Stay Safe
It is essential your car is safe to drive. Check oil and fluid levels before you leave, or better still, take your vehicle to a garage for a full safety check-up. Your mechanic will advise you on the best tires to fit or any other ways you can adapt your car for a winter journey, such as using tire chains for driving through mountains.
Pack de-icer spray, a couple of ice scrapers, a flashlight, a shovel, and some sand or cat litter for if you get stuck in the snow and need some traction. A toolkit or a multi-tool may also be a handy item to pack. A spare battery, jump leads, and an extra tire are vital.
Be Comfortable
You might have a long journey ahead of you, so you want the trip to be as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. Packing some tasty snacks will help satisfy your hunger between mealtimes but make sure they aren’t too sweet or fat-laden, or you could be sick! Speaking of feeling sick, pack some motion sickness tablets, plastic bags, and wet wipes or tissues.
Plenty of bottled water is vital to keep you alert and hydrated when you are driving, as fan heating in cars can dehydrate you. Eye drops will prevent dry eyes, and balm will provide your lips with a moisture barrier. You can pack these into a concise first aid kit, which is always an essential to store in your car.
Pack some blankets and pillows for warmth if passengers want to nap. These are also an essential item if you have a breakdown.
The Paperwork
Don’t forget to take your driver’s license, registration certificate, and a copy of your car’s insurance certificate with relevant phone numbers. An atlas will come in useful if you don’t have sat nav or a cell phone signal.
Enjoy your trip!
