Road trips aren’t reserved for warmer months. Some of the most beautiful road trips are during winter when everything is a magical white. It may be cold, but if you prepare ahead of time, you will stay warm and safe.
The best way to stay safe is to be smart about your driving. Giving yourself plenty of room around you, having properly fitted chains, not being in a hurry can all add up to safe driving that will get you to where you want to be rather than stuck in a ditch. You’ll also want to make sure your vehicle is in prime driving condition. Here are a few things you’ll want to check on plenty ahead of time in case you need an adjustment or repair:
Tires: Look for the proper tread depth, inspect for general wear and tear, and inflate tires accordingly knowing that they tend to expand and retract based on weather. Proper inflation alone can help your tires grip the road.
Lights: All lights need to be in proper working order. Check headlights, running lights, high beams, brake lights, tail lights as well as all of your interior lights too.
Fluids: Dirty fluids can interfere with performance and that’s definitely not something you will want to deal with on a road trip. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough of all your fluids: brake, power steering, oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid (NOT water!). Have extra antifreeze and oil with you.
Belts: Check for wear, cracking, and whether or not they are loose or well-fitting. Check all the belts to ensure they are in good condition and doing their jobs well.
Next, bring your emergency kit up to date:
- Non-perishable food/snacks
- Water
- Current meds
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Flares
- Cell phone charger back-up
- Shovel
- Jumper cables
- Warm blanket
- Warm gloves and an extra jacket or two
- Tool kit (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, pocket knife)
- Ice scraper
- Paper towels
Here are some of our recommendations. Click on the links to get some of the specifics of why these road trips from Hamburg in the winter are worthy of the efforts you’ll make.
- Niagara Falls
- New York City
- Vermont
- Ithaca
- Main
The team at Schultz Auto & Truck Repair in Hamburg has a firm commitment to keeping you safe. When you are planning a road trip this winter, we’d be honored to get your vehicle as safe and road-worthy as possible! is happy to help you process your decision. We do inspections before you buy a vehicle to help you decide on the right vehicle for you. Make your appointment today. Schultz Auto & Truck Repair is conveniently located at 5085 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg, NY 14075 and we are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See you soon!