Many prefer to hibernate indoors during the cold months. But those willing to brave the season’s chilly weather often find surprisingly peaceful drives with few other drivers in tow. But before embarking on your snowy sojourn, it pays to prepare both yourself and your vehicle properly. With a few precautions taken care of in advance, you’ll feel at ease hitting the Safe and Smooth Winter Road Trip no matter what wintry weather may await.
Choosing the Ideal Van for Winter Adventures
When planning a winter getaway, selecting the right vehicle is crucial for a comfortable and secure journey. Opt for an all-wheel or four-wheel drive van to easily deal with icy roads. Look for winter-specific features that will keep you cozy in chilly conditions, such as heated seats, defrosting mirrors, and a reliable heating system. Don’t forget to check that the tires are winter-rated, as they provide superior grip on snow-covered streets.
As per Data USA, Chicago is one of the largest cities in the United States, with over 2.7 million residents in its metropolitan area. Chicago is home to iconic attractions like Millennium Park, the Magnificent Mile, and Navy Pier.
As per Road Genius, the city draws over 45 million domestic tourists annually. Being a major cultural and economic center in the Midwest, often experiences winter weather. Snow storms and freezing temperatures are common between November and March. If you’re considering a road trip to Chicago, you’ll find many attractions to explore.
From iconic landmarks to cultural hotspots, the Windy City offers numerous reasons to hit the Safe and Smooth Winter Road Trip. For such adventures, renting a Sprinter van can be an excellent choice. When searching for a Sprinter van rental in Chicago, you’ll discover various options to suit your needs. These versatile vehicles are available from multiple rental agencies throughout the city, providing comfort and space for your journey.
Mercedes Sprinter vans are particularly popular due to their reputation for dependability and cutting-edge safety features. If you opt for a chauffeured service, you can relax and enjoy the ride without worrying about navigating unfamiliar roads.
As per Eminent Limo, rental costs for Sprinter vans in Chicago typically range from $100 to $135 per hour. However, prices may vary based on the specific model you choose. Keep in mind that these rates can fluctuate depending on factors such as seasonality and availability. It’s advisable to check with multiple rental companies to find the best deal for your winter excursion.
The Importance of Warming Up Your Vehicle
With winter in full swing, it’s important we follow best practices for preparing our vehicles during frigid conditions. As an experienced Alaska driving instructor, Thomas Brown understands these challenges well and offers worthwhile advice.
Brown told Travel + Leisure to allow the vehicle to warm up for 30 seconds to a minute. This is recommended before pulling away on bitterly cold mornings. This is better than immediately driving off after starting the engine. The extra time benefits both passengers and powertrain performance.
Waiting a moment allows the heater to warm up properly, which thaws the windows and heats the cabin. This ensures your comfort right from the start of your journey. Just as importantly, waiting for the engine temperature to rise closer to optimal operating levels prevents undue stress on components.
Setting off too fast from a cold start could force the RPMs outside the ideal operating range of 2,000 to 3,500. This may increase wear and potentially impact the vehicle’s efficiency or handling. Brown advises letting the system warm naturally before accelerating as usual.
Check Your Tires Before Hitting the Road this Winter
Tires require special attention when preparing for winter driving conditions as the only part of your vehicle that interacts directly with the road surface. Both tread depth and air pressure are critical inspection points to ensure safe handling and braking performance in cold weather.
Following the tried-and-true “quarter test” lets you easily check tread wear, as per The Points Guy. Simply insert a quarter head-first into the groove—if Washington’s crown appears, it’s time to replace worn tires. You’ll maintain better traction on icy or snowy surfaces with good tread.
Equally important is verifying each tire’s pressure using a reliable pressure gauge. According to Volkswagen test driver Benjamin Leuchter, pressures tend to drop in the winter cold. Always refer to the pressures listed on your vehicle for optimal safety and fuel efficiency.
Don’t Get Stuck – Keep De-icer in Your Vehicle
While an ice scraper is essential for winter driving, having deicing spray can be a real lifesaver when roads are slick with icy buildup. As experienced travelers know all too well, brushing and chipping away at a heavily iced vehicle can test even the strongest of scraper arms.
As Everyday Wanderer describes, ice storms leave vehicles coated in a thick glaze that simply absorbs the cold. Trying to remove it the traditional way is fruitless and time-consuming. But with a quick spray of de-icer, the results are much different.
Just minutes after being doused, the ice breaks down and slides right off. It’s an effortless solution that prevents car cleaning from delaying an entire journey. Keeping de-icer spray on hand can transform an hours-long scraping task into a speedy warmup. This is especially beneficial for those in colder climates prone to surprise storms.
When freezing temps don’t relent, don’t lose precious time scraping with no progress. Pack a bottle of this powerhouse ice-dissolving liquid for instant removal of winter’s slick coating so you’re free to hit the road safely.
FAQs
When should you stop a long safe and smooth winter road trip?
A good rule of thumb is to stop driving every 2-3 hours to rest your eyes and re-energize. Starting early in the day and avoiding driving tired can help you stay alert at the wheel. Listen to your body – stop as needed if drowsy.
What type of vehicle is best for winter conditions?
Vehicles with crossover body styles tend to perform well in snow thanks to attributes like higher clearance for plowed roads. Models featuring all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive also provide enhanced traction to help you maneuver safely.
What are the key tips to safe driving in any condition?
Focusing on preparation, awareness, and defense can help you handle varying road situations with care. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order before departing. Stay aware of traffic flows and changing road hazards through observation. Give yourself distance for maneuvering around unexpected issues that arise.
Taking simple precautions before venturing out in winter weather allows for safe and stress-free road trips despite chilly conditions. By selecting an appropriate vehicle and inspecting tires, travelers can feel confident facing whatever challenges might cross their path.
Additionally, warming up engines and keeping de-icer on hand further prepares them for the journey ahead. With a few guidelines followed, snowy roads present intriguing opportunities to discover new sights without worry. For those seeking peaceful respite or adventure, the coming months offer both – to those willing to drive carefully and come prepared for anything.
