The holiday season is just around the corner, and for many of us, that means hitting the road to visit friends and family. Whether you’re driving to Whitehorse or Anchorage, making sure you’re ready for a winter trip is crucial.

To help you travel safely and stress-free, we’ve put together a checklist that covers everything you need to do before you hit the road.

Get Yourself Ready to Go

Before you travel, make a plan! Here are some things to consider when planning your holiday getaway.

• Itinerary: Create a detailed itinerary with essential information, including your driving route, reservations, and contact numbers. Share your itinerary and estimated arrival time with a trusted friend or family member for safety. (You probably already have an app on your phone that makes this easy to do!)
• Accommodations: Confirm any hotel reservations or rental property bookings. Save confirmation emails and contact information for easy access during the trip.
• Travel Documents: If you’re driving into Canada, ensure that your passport, driver’s license, and any other identifications are up-to-date. Make photocopies or digital scans of essential documents and store them securely. Make sure firearms are registered and disclosed. Have pets up to date on vaccinations and also are traveling with a health certificate.
• Money: Notify your bank or credit card company about your travel dates to avoid any usage issues.
• Home Security: Make your home looks lived-in by using timers for lights and asking a trusted neighbor to put tracks in the snow, shovel the porch and collect mail. Double-check that all doors and windows are locked before you leave.
• Pets, House Plants, and Heat: Arrange for pet care or plant watering while you’re away. Leave detailed instructions for pet or plant sitters. Install a bluetooth thermostat that will send a notification if the house temperature falls due to a heating system malfunction.
• Emergency Contacts: Write down emergency contact numbers, including local heating oil company, plumber or handyman.

Get Your Vehicle Ready to Go

Start by giving your car a thorough visual inspection. Look for signs of damage, wear, or leaks. Then, get into the details.

• Tires: Check your tires, including the tread depth and tire pressure. Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire, too. (You’ll be glad you did if you end up needing it!). If your Tire Pressure light is on, this can mean your spare tire has deflated. Many spare tires now come with sensors so drivers can be assured their spare is still properly inflated. 
• Lights: Test all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Have someone stand on the outside of the vehicle to confirm all the lights are working properly. This time of year, traveling with a spare headlight is not a bad idea.
• Windshield Wipers: Verify that your windshield wipers have been recently replaced and are working properly, especially with freezing rain in the forecast.
• Fluid Levels: Check the engine oil level and ensure it’s within the recommended range. Check the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant levels. Top them off if needed.
• Battery: Examine the battery for signs of corrosion or loose connections. Clean and tighten its holdings if necessary. Test your battery’s voltage with a multimeter to ensure it’s in good condition.
• Brakes: Have your brake pads and rotors inspected if you’re unsure about their condition. Check the brake fluid level, and ensure there are no leaks.
• Belts and Hoses: Inspect the serpentine belt and hoses for any signs of wear, cracks, or fraying. Replace if needed, or ask your mechanic if you’re uncertain.
• Heating and Cooling Systems: Test your car’s heater and defroster to make sure they’re working effectively. Ensure that the radiator and hoses are in good shape and there are no leaks.
• Maintenance Schedule: Review your car’s maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual. Make sure you’re up-to-date with recommended services.

If that sounds like a lot, you can also just have your local trusted mechanic do a pre-trip inspection for you, instead. Be sure to set up an appointment in advance so you can get in and out as quickly as possible.

Pack Your Emergency Kit

Assemble or update your car’s emergency kit, which should include items like jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, flares, a first-aid kit, and non-perishable snacks. For more information on what to include in your emergency kit, check out “Metro’s Ultimate Guide to Outfitting Your Winter Roadside Emergency Kit”.

Fill Up Your Car

Fill up your gas tank before your trip to avoid unexpected stops in unfamiliar areas. If you won’t make it to your destination with one tank, plan out your gas stops ahead of time, especially if you’ll be trekking through remote areas.

Plan Your Route with GPS

Confirm that your GPS or navigation apps are up to date. It’s also a good idea to bring written directions and physical maps as backups in case you lose signal or battery power.

Cell Coverage

Look up the map of cell coverage along your route. AT&T and Verizon have very different coverage areas in Alaska and in Canada. If you are going to Canada, you may need to select an additional plan for cell service.

Bring Entertainment

Charge all your electronic devices, and bring chargers, adapters, and power banks. Before you leave, download any apps, music or movies you might need for travel.

Ensure your passengers have enough entertainment for the journey, like books, games, music, or digital devices. Be sure you pack plenty of snacks, too.

Don’t Forget Your Luggage

Make a packing list including essentials like clothing, toiletries, specific items needed for activities at your destination, and medications. Remember to take any gifts you’ll be giving for the holidays!

Enjoy Your Holiday Travels

You can use this checklist to help you stay organized when planning your travels or vacation. With everything in order, you can relax and focus on creating memories during your holiday getaway. 

Remember that properly maintaining your car is the key to avoiding unexpected breakdowns during your trip. Be sure to schedule a trip to METRO to ensure everything is in working order before you go. Safe travels! https://metropolitangarage.com/appointment