Hitting the road in wet or snow conditions? Use these tips to stay safe on your trip.
Published on January 23rd, 2025 in Travel Tips
Winter driving can be a thrilling but challenging experience for travelers, RVers, and road trippers alike.
Navigating snowy and icy roads requires not only patience but also proper preparation and skills, especially when driving larger vehicles like RVs or if you’re covering long distances in remote areas. This guide covers everything you need to know to prepare your RV or car for cold-weather conditions, helping you stay safe and comfortable on the road.
In this article we’ll unpack how to winterize your RV or car for cold-weather travel, cover some essential driving techniques to handle snow and ice, and list some key items to pack for safe and comfortable winter travel
Ready? Then let’s hit the road!
Preparing your RV or car for winter travel
Proper preparation is essential for safe and efficient winter travel, especially when driving an RV or car through icy or snowy areas. Here’s how to get your vehicle winter-ready:
Winterizing the vehicle’s water system (for RVs)
For RVs, protecting the water system from freezing is crucial. Drain all water tanks, including the freshwater, gray, and black water tanks, and add non-toxic RV antifreeze to the pipes to prevent them from freezing and cracking. If possible, invest in a heated water hose for camping in cold areas where temperatures dip below freezing.
Heating and insulation
Ensuring warmth inside your vehicle is essential, especially for RVers staying overnight in cold areas. For RVs, inspect windows and doors for drafts and consider using thermal curtains or extra insulation, such as foam board. Portable heaters can be useful, but make sure they’re RV-safe and use them cautiously. In cars, rely on the car’s heater but consider bringing insulated blankets or heating pads for extra warmth when parked.
Battery maintenance in cold weather
Cold weather can drain a vehicle’s battery faster, so check the battery condition and ensure it’s fully charged before setting out. For RVs, confirm that the house batteries and engine batteries are in good working order and keep a portable jump starter as a backup. In cars, having jumper cables and knowing how to jump-start is invaluable if the battery dies in cold conditions.
Check tires and chains
Winter tires are ideal for handling snow and ice on the road, as they offer better traction than all-season tires. If winter tires aren’t an option, make sure your current tires are in top shape and consider carrying tire chains if you expect to encounter icy roads. Always check tire pressure as cold weather can reduce air pressure, affecting handling and fuel efficiency in both RVs and cars.
Fluid checks
In cold conditions, having the right fluids is essential. Ensure your vehicle has winter-grade antifreeze, which is designed for low temperatures, and fill your windshield washer reservoir with winter-rated fluid to prevent it from freezing. Also, consider changing the oil to one suitable for cold weather, as thicker oils may not flow well in low temperatures.
Key driving techniques for winter conditions
Maintain a safe speed
Snow and ice reduce tire traction significantly, making it easy to lose control if you’re driving too fast. Reduce your speed below the posted limits and stay alert to changing road conditions. Even a small patch of ice can cause skidding, so always prioritize slower, steady speeds over reaching your destination quickly.
Speed limit signs are NOT a good indicator of the appropriate speed in wet or snowy conditions, but rather your environment.
Increase following distance
Braking takes longer on snow and ice, so keep a generous distance between you and the vehicle in front. Aim to leave at least six to eight seconds of following distance, allowing enough time to react if you need to stop. This is especially important for heavier vehicles like RVs, which require more time to come to a complete halt.
Use engine braking and avoid hard braking
Using your engine to slow down instead of pressing the brake pedal can help maintain traction on icy surfaces. Shift into a lower gear when descending hills or slowing down on slick roads, as this reduces your reliance on the brakes and minimizes the chance of skidding. If you must brake, apply gentle, steady pressure instead of slamming on the brakes.
Handling hills and curves
On snowy or icy hills, avoid sudden accelerations and maintain a steady speed. Ascend hills slowly to prevent wheel spin, and use lower gears to control your descent. For curves, reduce your speed before entering, then navigate the turn smoothly without accelerating or braking, which can cause skidding.
Keep an eye on tire tracks
Where possible, drive in the tire tracks left by other vehicles, as these paths are typically more compact and less icy than the untouched snow. This simple technique can help improve traction and stability on snowy roads.
Practicing these techniques will boost your control and confidence when navigating through winter road conditions in any vehicle.
Essential safety gear for winter driving
Emergency supplies to pack
Winter road trips can be unpredictable, so pack extra supplies in case you’re delayed by snowstorms or road closures. Include warm blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food items, and a portable phone charger. These basics will keep you safe and comfortable if you have to wait for assistance or stay in your vehicle overnight.
Winter-specific tools and equipment
Equip your vehicle with a set of winter-specific tools. A durable ice scraper and snow brush are essential for maintaining visibility on your windshield and windows. Carry a small snow shovel for digging out if you get snowed in, and keep a bag of sand or kitty litter on hand to spread under your tires for extra traction if you’re stuck on ice.
First aid kit
A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for winter driving, as icy conditions can increase the risk of accidents. Make sure your kit includes adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications. It’s also wise to include items like hand warmers and thermal blankets, which can help prevent hypothermia if you’re exposed to cold temperatures.
Navigation and communication tools
In winter, weather conditions can change quickly, affecting road accessibility. Bring an updated GPS device or ensure your phone has offline maps downloaded. For long-distance or remote travel, consider a portable emergency communication device, such as a satellite phone or a GPS communicator, especially if cell service is unreliable in your travel areas.
Jumper cables and a portable jump starter
Cold weather is hard on batteries, so having jumper cables and a portable jump starter is a must. These items ensure that you can get back on the road quickly if your battery dies, saving you from waiting for roadside assistance in freezing conditions.
By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared for winter travel challenges and able to tackle cold-weather travel with confidence.
Managing common winter travel challenges
Winter road trips can bring unique challenges, from unexpected hazards to weather-related delays. Here’s how to navigate common obstacles that travelers and RVers face during winter.
Avoiding common winter road hazards
Winter roads are often riddled with hidden dangers like black ice, snow drifts, and limited visibility due to fog or blowing snow. Black ice is particularly treacherous because it’s nearly invisible and can appear on bridges, shaded areas, and intersections. To stay safe, drive slowly and stay vigilant for shiny, icy patches on the road. If you hit black ice, avoid braking and steer gently to keep control.
Preparing for unexpected delays
Winter storms and icy roads can lead to closed highways and long delays. Always keep your fuel tank at least half full to prevent freezing in extreme cold and to ensure you have enough fuel if you’re stuck in traffic. Check your weather forecast and road conditions regularly, and consider alternate routes if a road closure is likely.
Dealing with cold weather health risks
Cold weather increases the risk of conditions like hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia can occur when body temperature drops below normal, which can happen quickly if you’re exposed to freezing temperatures for long periods. Stay bundled up in layers and use blankets and warmers if you’re forced to wait in the car. Keep an eye out for symptoms of hypothermia, such as shivering, confusion, and fatigue, and warm up as soon as you can if you experience them.
Staying warm overnight in your RV or car
For those camping overnight in an RV or car, conserving heat is essential. In RVs, use RV-safe heaters and make sure your windows and doors are well-insulated to keep the cold out. For car travelers, bring thermal blankets or a sleeping bag rated for low temperatures, and avoid running the engine for prolonged periods to stay warm, as this can risk carbon monoxide buildup. Crack a window slightly if using any type of heater overnight to allow ventilation.
By preparing for these common winter travel challenges, you can make your winter road trip safer and more enjoyable, knowing you’re ready for whatever the journey might bring.
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While these tips will keep you well-prepared, emergencies can still happen—and having additional support can make a big difference. With services like Emergency Assistance Plus (EA+), you’re covered if the unexpected arises.
EA+ provides medical evacuation, travel assistance, and vehicle return services, offering peace of mind no matter where your winter journey takes you. For those embarking on winter adventures, EA+ is a smart choice to ensure you’re protected throughout your travels.
Ready to plan your next winter adventure? Explore how EA+ can support you on the road and give you the confidence to enjoy every mile.
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