Winterize Your Vehicle For Winter Travel

Or you may be sorry

[img_assist|nid=37|title=Winterize Your Vehicle|desc=Van on skis-Yosemite NP|link=none|align=left|width=200|height=192]Driving in the wintertime can be an adventure unto itself. Snow, Ice and the Cold can really do a number on your vehicle. It could cause all types of mechanical failures. But if you prepare your vehicle for winter travel it will cut down on what could go wrong. Make sure you read the rest of this article so you will be prepared and you won't be stranded in the cold. But if you do get stranded I have covered that too.

Consider changing your all season tires to snow tires. Most manufacturers recommend snow tires if you are going to be traveling over icy snowy roads. And make sure your snow tires are properly inflated to the manufacturers suggested tire pressure. Following both of these tips will make sure you are getting all the traction out of your tires as possible and will reduce the likelihood of an accident.

If your vehicle is equipped with four-wheel drive make sure it is working properly. Unless you like mud bogging most people don't have an opportunity to use the 4 wheel drive capabilities of their vehicle and they soon forget they even have it. 4 wheel drive might make the difference between being stuck in the snow on a rural mountain road and making it back to home safely.

Most vehicle manufacturers suggest you change your oil to a thinner grade. Cold temperatures cause your oil to thicken and makes your engine work harder and could increase your risk of a breakdown. Refer to your vehicle's owner manual for the proper winter grade.

Inspect all of your belts and hoses and replace them if you see any cracks or abrasions. The cold is really harsh on the belts and hoses of your vehicle. Having a belt break or a hose bust is terrible any time of the year. But in the winter it is even more critical your belts and hoses are in good working order so you don't break down.

Inspect your wipers, wiper fluid, transmission fluid and antifreeze mixture. You want all of the fluids in your vehicle to be topped off and your wiper blades to actually remove dirt and grime from your windshield so you can see.

Your battery should be less than 3 years old. Old batteries lose their ability to hold a charge and are more likely to fail to start your vehicle in the cold. If it is older then that just go ahead and replace it because it is better to be safe then sorry.

Finally, you should always CARRY AN EMERGENCY KIT INSIDE OF YOUR VEHICLE no matter what season. I could not stress this more. No matter how well you prepare your vehicle something still could go wrong. If you get stranded you are going to need this emergency kit.

If you do find yourself stranded stay with your vehicle it is the best form of shelter you have available. If you are just stuck in the snow and your vehicle is still working go ahead and run it and turn on the heat. Only run it for about 10-15 minutes every hour and then turn it off to conserve fuel. If you car will not run. Crack a window to allow in a little bit of fresh air and light an emergency candle. An emergency candle can keep you warm enough to survive the cold. Make sure your emergency kit is up front with you just in case your storage area freezes shut. Check Your emergency kit often and make sure you replace anything you might have used. Your kit should include at minimum

All year round:

• A flashlight, flares and a first-aid kit
• Jumper cables, tool kit, extra engine belts, extra fluids, paper towels
• Rain Jacket or poncho, walking shoes or boots, warm blanket
• Tarp to lay on if you have to fix a flat tire or repair your vehicle
• Extra food and water

Add the following to winterize your emergency kit:

• Tire chains
• A snow brush, ice scraper and snow shovel
• Warm clothes and gloves
• 48 hours of emergency candles

Winter travel can cause all kinds of problems with your vehicle. But if you follow these necessary tips your car will more than likely make it through you winter camping trip and if it doesn't you will be prepared to survive too.

This article was originally posted in the January Edition of the Family Campsite Newsletter. To get more great camping tips every month click here to sign up today.