North Idaho Winter Driving Safety: What to Keep in Your Vehicle.

North Idaho winters can change a familiar drive in a hurry. Snow, ice, freezing rain, and early darkness can make roads slippery and visibility poor. A little preparation before the first storm can help you avoid trouble—and make a breakdown or delay safer to manage.

Get your vehicle winter-ready

Before winter weather settles in, check the basics:

• Tires: Check tread, condition, and pressure. Make sure your tires are suited to the roads you drive. If you use chains, practice installing them before you need them.

• Battery: Cold weather can expose a weak battery. Have it checked if it’s slow to start or nearing the end of its service life.

• Brakes and lights: Make sure your brakes work properly and your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are visible.

• Wipers and washer fluid: Replace worn wipers and use washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.

• Fluids: Check your coolant and other fluids, and keep your fuel tank from getting too low.

Pack a winter emergency kit

Keep these essentials in your vehicle, especially if you travel outside town or on rural roads:

• Warm blanket or sleeping bag

• Warm clothing, gloves, hat, and waterproof boots

• Flashlight with extra batteries

• First-aid kit

• Ice scraper and snow brush

• Small shovel

• Sand or kitty litter for traction

• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter

• Phone charger and a charged backup battery

• Drinking water and nonperishable snacks

• Tire chains, if appropriate for your vehicle and route

• Reflective triangles or another way to make your vehicle visible

Check your supplies at the start of each winter and replace anything that’s expired, damaged, or missing.

Adjust how you drive

Give yourself extra time and slow down when roads are snowy, icy, or wet. Leave more space between your vehicle and the one ahead, and avoid cruise control on slippery roads. Bridges and overpasses can freeze before other surfaces, so approach them carefully.

If your vehicle begins to slide, stay calm, ease off the accelerator, and steer gently in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. Avoid sudden braking or sharp steering. Give snowplows plenty of room to work, and never drive around a road closure.

Before heading out, check the forecast and current road conditions at Idaho 511. If conditions are dangerous, delay the trip when you can.

If you get stranded

Stay with your vehicle where it is safe to do so, and let someone know your location. If you run the engine for heat, first make sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and check it again periodically. Keep your phone charged and conserve its battery.

Winter driving is part of life in North Idaho, but being prepared can make a difficult situation more manageable. Take a few minutes now to check your vehicle and gather your supplies before the next storm arrives.

Need help getting your vehicle ready for winter? Backcountry Upfitters can help with tires, brakes, alignments, and other vehicle services.

Built for the Road. Ready for the Backcountry.