Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready

Winter Ready in Montana

It’s that time of year to prepare for chilly winter weather! Winters in northwest Montana can be filled with snow and icy roads, leading to a brutal season. However, if you’re ready for the next winter storm, there is plenty to enjoy in the Treasure State! One of the best ways to prepare for the weather is to have your vehicle set to go for the snow. 

Tires

If you find yourself driving on snow covered roads often or mountain passes, you’ll want to find a pair of winter tires that are properly rated for snow. This will provide more secure handling of your vehicle, and also allow more stopping ability on that snow packed road. When shopping for tires, consider what your usual winter driving conditions are, and it will determine if studded or studless tires are more suitable for you. Consider studded tires if you will be driving on icy roads and studless if you will be driving slushy or snowy roads. In Montana, studded tires are allowed October 1 – May 31. Our parts experts can help you determine which tires are best for your driving habits. 

Winter Car Safety Kits

In the unfortunate event you were to get stuck in the snow, having some of these essentials could make a tough situation a little easier. 

• Ice scraper
• Blanket
• Winter boots, warm coat, hat and gloves. 
• Reflective gear and flashlights 
• Phone Charger
• Kitty litter – this odd item can help provide traction in snowy situations.
• Basic first aid kit 
• Battery jumping cables
• Hand warmers
• Non-perishable food stash (ie. granola bars, protein bars & water bottles)

Apps and Websites 

While having the proper supplies for winter weather is imperative, knowing what weather is coming is also key. With technology at our fingertips, there are multiple apps and websites to utilize to be ready. The best part is many are free. 

• Accuweather gives live radar, news reports, weather alerts and hourly/daily/extended forecasts. Downloads: iOS android 
• The Weather Channel app similarly gives live local radar, forecasts, or even pollen counts. Downloads: iOS android 

Using the Montana Department of Transportation website can be a great resource for crossing through the Last Best Place. Visit the traveler information page for tons of road safety resources, which includes an interactive road map of current road conditions.