How to prepare a car for a road trip North from Phoenix in winter

What to do to your car before a road trip into snowy areas 

Are you considering driving North from Phoenix this winter? If you’re going into areas with snow and ice, you may want to take a moment to prepare your vehicle. Keep reading below to learn about what you should do before a winter road trip with Mercedes-Benz of Arrowhead, your dealership in Peoria, AZ. 

Should you get winter tires for a winter road trip? 

It might be worth considering a set of winter tires. Winter tires are best suited for snow and ice, so if you’re going far North or if there is a snowstorm coming, then they are a good investment. However, we know that it might seem too expensive to buy a set of tires just for one road trip. That’s why, if you’re not planning to be North for a while and don’t plan on returning, we’d recommend all-season tires instead. 

What you don’t want to do is drive North on summer tires or heavily used tires. Tires are the most important part of your car when driving in winter weather. Driving on tires with bald spots and worn treads can be dangerous, as your car will slide more. 

What should you pack for a winter road trip North from Phoenix? 

Consider packing these essentials: warm winter clothes, a phone charger, snacks, matches, a flashlight, a shovel, jumper cables, and kitty litter. What’s the litter for? You can pour it around your tires if you get stuck in the snow, to give your car more traction. It’s also not a bad idea to keep a first aid kit or a blanket in your car, just in case. Matches and flashlights can be used for seeing in the dark, and also for signaling other drivers on the road.