Many people take off on a road trip and never really think about what conditions they might encounter.  Are you traveling in winter? Are you prepared if an emergency should arise? What can you expect as you and your family go off to explore Colorado?

Winter travel can mean rain, hail, mud, snow, icy and hazardous roads. Even if it looks like a nice day, remember that in Colorado road and weather conditions can change in an minute. Before you take off to explore, give thought to winter preparedness. Be sure that your insurance information is up to date and easy to find in the vehicle – if you have roadside assistance, be familiar with who to call in case of an emergency. If you have internet access on your phone, you always have Colorado Outing with you to check on great destinations and conditions both weather and otherwise for your next trip. We can let you know what gas prices are today in the town you’re visiting, where to shop for groceries and supplies, fun things to see and do and just about everything you want to know about the location you are in. From exploring the little “out of the way” towns to planning a trip to a “world-class” ski resort, your outing is important to us, so let us help you make your way fun, safe and informative.

A basic road-trip checklist before you go:

• Check oil levels in engine (keep 1-2 quarts of extra oil in trunk)

• Check or replace older batteries before a road trip

• Test all lights and turn signals before leaving to insure they work properly (keeping extra fuses and little light bulbs in the glove compartment is easy to do and wonderful to have handy in emergencies)

• Check antifreeze levels in radiator to prevent freezing (never use 100% antifreeze – a 50/50 antifreeze to water ratio is safe down to -34 degrees F.) – Ethelyne glycol to -34 deg. F. (-37 C.) or Propylene glycol to -27 deg. F (-33 C.)

• Always use 50/50 blend to top off any cooling system.

• Remember to keep the gas tank near full to avoid freezing water or condensation in the fuel line (and if it’s a long way between gas stations, you have maximum mileage potential)

• Check tires (and spare tire) for proper inflation – check tire pressure before the tires have had a chance to heat up. The factory recommended inflation is printed on a metal tag usually on the driver’s doorjamb, or inside the gas filler cap or the glove compartment door. Inadequate pressure causes excessive heat to build up in the tire, which can cause tire failure. Properly inflated tires wear better, last longer and provide better gas mileage.

• Check the tire tread – Balding tires are a huge safety hazzard, and in a Colorado winter where hydroplaning and black ice are a concern, consider studded snow tires which are very reliable. Be certain you also have a tire iron and jack to change a flat. To test the tread depth – U.S. coins can be substituted for a tire tread depth gauge as tires wear to the critical final few 32nds of an inch of their remaining tread depth. Place a penny into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32″ of tread depth remaining. Place a quarter into several tread grooves across the tire. If part of Washington’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 4/32″ of tread depth remaining. According to most state laws, tires are legally worn out when they have worn down to 2/32″ of remaining tread depth. However, as a tire wears it’s important to realize that the tire’s ability to perform in rain and snow will be reduced. With 2/32″ of remaining tread depth, resistance to hydroplaning in the rain at highway speeds has been significantly reduced, and traction in snow has been virtually eliminated. If rain and wet roads are a concern, you should consider replacing your tires when they reach approximately 4/32″ of the remaining tread depth.

• Fill up the windshield washer fluid and check wiper blades (keep some spare fluid in trunk – wet, sloppy highways can make you use up a lot of washer fluid)

Make sure automobiles contain the following emergency supplies:

• Bag(s) of sand, road salt or non-clumping cat litter. The extra weight will help both with better traction, and the contents can be used under slipping tires (store in the trunk up by rear wheels)

• Ice scraper with a sturdy handle long enough to reach across windshield easily

• Jumper cables (be familiar with how to safely use them)

• Small shovel (to dig snow away from wheels, or scatter sand on roadway)

• Tire chains (every driver should practice putting them on – some mountain passes may require the use of chains at any given time)

• Flares or reflective triangles to warn other motorists if you experience a break down

• Blanket(s) to keep warm if you become stranded or delayed in bad weather

• Flashlight(s) and fresh batteries

• Gallon jug of drinking water and bag of non-refrigerated snacks (granola bars, trail mix, etc.)

• First aid kit (including toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray & a 1st aid instruction booklet)

• When traveling by car, get a reference map of the area you are visiting, prepare emergency food and clothing for each traveler. Pack supplies in a backpack in case you need to abandon your car.

An emergency backpack should include:

• Jacket, hat, gloves warm socks and sturdy, snow-proof boots for each traveler
• Nonperishable food and bottled water
• Cellular phone (a car charger is very helpful – remember not all mountain areas receive strong cell phone service, just roaming can drain a battery fast)
• Money and identification
• Notepad and pen for writing information or leaving instructions.

Being prepared takes some thought and planning but it’s well worth it should anything unexpected arise. Traveling safely with the family means you’ll have more fun and time to see the sights without worry. Even the best prepared traveler can be surprised, but we hope that this information is helpful and useful to keep your family safe on your next Colorado outing!