“Make preparations in advance. You never have trouble if you are prepared for it.”

―Theodore Roosevelt

Wintertime is here. And with that comes the most wonderful time of the year ⸺ Christmas, New year, Valentines… ahh festivity is in the air. No wonder many Americans take this opportunity to do winter road trips with their family and friends and enjoy the beauty of snowflakes.

And since you’re here, I bet you’re also planning or at least will be involved in a winter road trip this season, won’t you?

Well, I hate to spoil the party but it’s not all snowy wonderlands. Because if you’re not careful, that white road can get bloody ugly (literally).

Don’t believe me?

Here’s what our friends at the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)have got to say.

“Each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet. Over 1,300 people are killed and more than 116,800 people are injured in vehicle crashes on snowy, slushy, or icy pavement annually. Every year, nearly 900 people are killed and nearly 76,000 people are injured in vehicle crashes during snowfall or sleet.”

Now, I don’t know how good your geography is but more than 70% of the nation’s roads are in snowy regions. Almost all Americans are threatened by Jack Frost, therefore.

Got the picture?

During your winter road trip, you’ll be exposed to a multitude of threats⸺ low visibility, avalanches, mechanical failure, not-so-smart humans… I mean the list goes on.

That’s why havingproper knowledgeand awinter survival kit in your car cannot be overemphasized. And today, that’s what you’ll discover⸺ what to prepare for your winter road trip and how to survive in case of a worst-case scenario breakdown.

So, grab a coffee and let’s get things underway.

First off, let’s start with this…

You don’t rise to the occasion… you fall to your level of preparation.

Let it sink.

Before you even head out for your winter road trip, it goes without saying that you should be prepared mentally, physically, and attire-wise (flip-flop is for summer, don’t you think?). Other than that, learn how to drive safely in winter conditions (you do know thatThe Fate of the Furiousis just fiction, right?)

As they say, “Prevention is better than cure.”

That being said, take advantage of that billion-dollar satellite you’ve been paying with your taxes. Know if a blizzard is imminent. Know if the sunlight is strong enough to cause an avalanche and flooding. Know the roadblocks.

In essence, know what you should know beforehand.

Hitting the icy road without knowing what lies ahead is a recipe for disaster. Thus, map out the best way you’re gonna get from point A to B.

Any alternative routes in case of congestion or roadblocks? Auto shop locations? Available retreat or camping grounds to spend the night if needed?

Contemplate these (and more) and you won’t be caught with your pants down.

Winter driving can be challenging and dangerous due to many uncontrolled variables⸺ snow volume, slippery road, unforgiving wind, and whatnot. What more when using a car not suited for cold conditions?

Whether that’s a limited-editionFerrari or a worn-outMitsubishi, only one thing connects the car to the road⸺ tires.

For this, make sure every tire has plenty of treads left. Otherwise, install a new one. Or better yet, installwinter tires for they are engineered specifically for winter conditions. They provide better traction, are more cold-resistant, and offer better performance than regular all-season tires on winter terrains.

Temperature drop can significantly affect your tire’s pressure (measured in PSI or pound per square inch). And with that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrationand the Department of Transportationrecommend checking the pressure of all tires including spare ones regularly.

If you’re unsure what the optimal pressure for your tires is, you can refer to your owner’s manual or tire placard inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

In cold conditions, it’s harder for engines to start. And when you have a faulty battery out there, Mr. Blizzard is more than happy to give you a freezing hug. So, have your battery checked by experts.

Fuel is your car’s food and bloodline. And mind you, your car hates fasting. 

Cold weather thickens oil, putting more strain on the battery and engine. Thin-oil works better, therefore, for it has lower viscosity making it flow much easier.

Extreme temperature is the kryptonite of engines. Coolants help keep the temperature in check both during scorching summer and dead winter.According to The Automotive Training Center (ATC ),in the winter, the recommended ratio is usually60% antifreeze to 40% water.

Winter wipers prevent ice from collecting on the blades. Furthermore, opt for washer fluid that won’t freeze.

If mechanical maintenance isn’t your forte, or it all just seems too much, then let experts give you a hand. They can do an overall check-up and help prepare your car for your winter road trip.

As the survivalist maxim goes, “Better prepared than sorry.”

You see, it’s better to have the survival essentials and not need them, rather than need them and not have them. Because when you’re stuck in the middle of whiteout, what you have in your car may be all you’ll ever have to survive. In which case, you better hope it’s a complete survival kit to keep you and your family alive.

Hand tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.), jumper cables, windshield cleaner, mechanic gloves, multi-tool, duct tape/electrical tape, and what have you.

Wanna know something interesting?

A study done byThe Zebra showed thatice scraper is claimed by 35% of all respondents to be the most important tool to keep in a winter car kit.

The point? Don’t skimp nor underestimate the importance of every tool⸺ they just might be your ticket to survival.

Don’t be like most people who become a sitting duck when their car breaks down or are stuck in thick snow. The more they wait helpless, the more vulnerable they are to vehicle crimes and frostbite.

• Snow shovel
• Traction aid (sand, salt, chains, non-clumping cat litter)
• Tow rope/cable
• Hatchet or folding saw
• Emergency fuel (non-freezing version)

• Glass breaker with seatbelt cutter
• Whistle
• Road flares or glow sticks
• Signaling mirror
• Flashlight

• Gauze/bandages
• Medical tape
• Tourniquet
• Disinfectants (alcohol, bleach, etc.) and wipes
• Antiseptic cream and wound solution (Betadine, beeswax, etc.)
• Eyewash
• Trauma shears and tweezers
• Surgical gloves
• Medicines for pain, flu, allergies, and other medical conditions

• Extra thick clothing and blankets (wool preferably)
• Heat sheets
• Hand warmers
• Candle and fire starters (lighter, matches, fire striker) plus tinder

Never discard the possibility of having to take refuge in your car for a day or more.

• Food high in protein, carbohydrates, and nutrients
• Cooking set and utensils (portable stove, metal containers, spork)
• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Water filter or purification tablets

Machines fail. Roads can get congested. Mountains can put on a big avalanche show. In case you don’t already know, these are more probable than you think.

If, God forbids, you’re trapped in a snowstorm, here are some key points to remember:

Panicking only impairs your judgment. It will cause you to make rushed and irrational decisions⸺ decisions that could cost lives.

Duh. Unless you wanna test the limit of the human spirit… sure!

Never venture out into the unknown. Because 1) your car is bigger than you and can be seen by rescuers more easily, therefore, and 2) your car is your best bet in terms of shelter against the elements.

Turn on your hazard lights. Place road flares or glow sticks nearby to alert other motorists and rescuers.

Don’t overexert yourself. Your sweat can freeze and if it stays on your skin, hypothermia will set in. And if that happens, your death timer starts.

After calling for help and keeping your car visible, focus on not freezing to death.

• Use some of your extra clothing and dress in layers.
• Do some stretching and light exercise.
• Light a candle or your portable stove inside your car.
• While your portable stove is burning, melt snow for additional water supply.
• If it’s not snowing or windy outside, make a fire. Not only will it keep you warm, but its smoke will also signal other people.
• Alcohol WON’T warm your body (alcohol and delusion are couples, didn’t you know?). If anything, it only dehydrates you and impairs your perception. In a survival ordeal… you booze, you lose!

So, you’ve worked hard putting together a winter car survival kit. Surely, you don’t want it, along with your guns and valuables, to disappear like a snowflake in the rain, do you?

The car’s door can be shimmed. The windows can be smashed. I mean, you’re not riding a battle tank, are you?

Thattop-of-the-line portable safe you bought fromSafe and Vault Store, though? Well, unless it’s an alien thief with technology from another galaxy, I can’t think of any method they can use to forcibly open yourportable vehicle safe.

And that’s not all. If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be thankful you’ve got a secure safe that prevents negligent handling and accidental discharge of your guns.

You know what’s more terrifying thanWhite Walker? It’s Mr. Black Ice. The former might haunt you, but the latter can kill you… literally and even instantly.

But if you’re prepared, it doesn’t really make a difference. Because may that be someone coming to get you and your valuables, or nature being nature… you’re ready to survive and come out on top.

Winter road trips are as dangerous as they are rewarding. And with family and friends, such adventure is fun, liberating, and full of memories. Wanna keep it that way? Then put the above into practice and you’ll reach that snowy wonderland in no time!

And by the way… make a bigger snowman this time, will ya?