Tips for Winter Extremal Road Trip
Fans of extreme driving will find no better time for a road trip than winter. This period of the year is the most difficult for drivers since even on a well-prepared road, the likelihood of accidents and various problems is always the highest. In the case of off-road travel, the situation becomes even more dangerous. However, if you follow some basic recommendations, you can avoid many troubles or prepare well in advance for their possible occurrence.
Always plan ahead
An extreme trip on snowy and icy roads can be successful if you plan. First of all, you should develop the optimal route, which will consider various aspects, including the capabilities of your car. It doesn’t matter whether you will drive on a poorly prepared road or off-road. Secondly, you need to plan your actions in case of accidents or any unforeseen situations. This task is the most difficult since it will require considering dozens of possible cases and selecting optimal measures to correct the situation. And thirdly, you should familiarize yourself with survival methods in extreme conditions. This knowledge can be helpful in cases where the situation gets ultimately out of control, and you cannot correct it yourself.
Select and prepare your tires correctly
One of the critical factors for successful winter extreme travel is choosing the right tires and preparing them for use in the harshest conditions. In this regard, we recommend that you carefully study the characteristics of the tires you purchase and choose the best option for use in certain conditions. In addition, you should buy and install snow chains. These simple but effective devices will reduce the likelihood of tire slippage and help make your car's behavior on extreme winter roads more predictable. We also recommend that you always remember tire pressure. It should be selected depending on the air temperature in the places where your extreme road trip will take place.
Check the condition of the car in advance
Before you go on an extreme road trip in winter, be sure to check the condition of your car. This is especially important when you use outdated models that have been repaired several times. The same applies to vehicles restored after damage, purchased at the Range Rover auction, and auctions of other famous brands. Everything should be checked without exception, from the level of various liquids to the security system's effectiveness. The better this work is done, the lower the likelihood of vehicle breakdowns during extreme driving on snow or ice.
Always prepare for worst-case scenarios
An essential recommendation for drivers planning extreme winter road trips is considering the worst-case scenarios. In this case, you will be better prepared and able to find the optimal solution for each situation. For example, if you cross a frozen lake, then study the rules of behavior in cold water in advance. They will increase your chances of survival if the ice suddenly cracks and your car falls into the lake. Using the same principle, you must consider your actions when traveling near cliffs, rocks hanging over the road, and other similar places. In addition, one should remember the likelihood of a coup, hitting a tree or some building, or a sudden stop on the railway tracks.
Bring essentials with you
One of the most essential pieces of advice given to all adventure riding enthusiasts is to carry a variety of essentials. In the case of winter road trips, these will be a shovel for clearing snow, a scraper for clearing ice from windows, a cable for pulling out a stuck car and its subsequent towing, a telephone for contacting rescuers, devices for charging gadgets, and much more. Equally important is a complete first aid kit in the car. It should include the items and medications necessary to provide first aid and drugs prescribed to the driver or his passengers. The supply of medicines should be such that there is enough for each participant on the road trip. Taking a flashlight, matches, or lighter, water, food supplies, and other valuable items would be best.
Even if the inside of your car is warm, you should always put warm clothes in the trunk for each person traveling. These initially useless items can be your salvation in the event of a vehicle breakdown. They will prevent you from freezing at low temperatures and protect you from precipitation. As an alternative, you can use warm blankets. However, they will be effective only in cases where you can wait for help inside the vehicle. If the car was severely damaged or wholly overturned, then blankets will not be able to protect you from the cold entirely.
Check the weather forecast
Although modern meteorology is not an ultra-precise science, still study the weather forecast in the places where you plan to conduct an extreme road trip. This information will become the basis for making important decisions that will help avoid potential troubles. Particular attention should be paid to air temperature, wind speed, and intensity of expected precipitation. They will not only allow you to prepare your car for an extreme trip better but will also allow you to choose the right clothes and shoes.
Check fuel level or battery charge
The last important tip for adventure road trip enthusiasts is always to check the battery charge and the amount of fuel remaining. If an electric motor powers your car, then before the trip, charge the batteries to 100% to ensure continuous operation. If your vehicle uses a fuel engine, fill the tank as much as possible. In cases where you are planning a long trip, take with you an adequate supply of fuel. It will save you in places where there are no gas stations.
Winter extreme road trips can be safe and fun. However, all participants need to follow the basic rules for holding such an event and listen to experts' recommendations. They will help you avoid troubles and come out unscathed, even in the worst situations. With this information, you will be a well-prepared driver who will always make the right decisions and be able to enjoy your winter road trip fully.
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