How to Pack Your Nissan for a Winter Mountain Adventure
October 15, 2020
Are you planning to hit the slopes this winter season for a much-needed vacation? Whether you're sticking to the highway or taking the road less traveled, gear up with Nissan by your side! Learn how to prepare for a winter road trip and what to pack to ensure your winter mountain travels are enjoyable for everyone.
What To Pack In Your Nissan For a Winter Road Trip
Hitting the open road in the summertime is one thing. But winter road trips are a completely different experience! Between icy roads, snow flurries, and freezing temperatures, anything can happen. It's best to be fully prepared for your winter adventure.
Make sure you're equipped with the right gear, but also check that your vehicle is up to the challenge. Here's your vehicle winterization punch list:
- Check tire condition and pressure. Replace or inflate tires, if necessary.
- Test the battery and charge or replace it if it's weak.
- Check windshield wiper fluid and refill it if it's low.
Ice Scraper and Snow Brush
This is arguably one of the most important things you can pack in your Nissan for a road trip or any time you're driving in snow. As soon as the first snowflake falls, put an ice scraper and snow brush in your car. It's critical that you clear your entire car ‐ not just the front windshield ‐ of snow and ice. Leaving snow and ice behind can not only obstruct your view, but ice chunks could also fly off and hit another car.
Jumper Cables
Battery trouble is one of the most common vehicle issues, and it can be especially troublesome in the winter! If you can't start your car due to a dead battery, you won't be able to run the heater ‐ which means things can get cold pretty quickly! Help avoid this situation by getting a battery test before you leave the city and packing jumper cables just in case.
A Collapsible Shovel
If you've ever had to dig your car out after a snowstorm or gotten stuck along a snow-covered road, you know that a shovel can be a lifesaver. You can only dig so much with your hands or a makeshift scooper! However, you don't want a shovel that's going to take up a lot of space in your Nissan's trunk. Consider purchasing a collapsible shovel that you can keep in your trunk to save space and help you out in a pinch!
Nissan Roof Rail Crossbars
Speaking of packing you don't have to shove everything inside your vehicle. Why have all the space in your Nissan taken up by things like skis or snowboards? With roof rail crossbars,* you can better manage and organize your outdoor equipment without having to occupy any interior cargo or passenger space. Go the extra mile by attaching a roof rack ‐ like a ski or snowboard rack! Find the right roof rack for your Nissan adventure from Nissan Parts.
A First Aid Kit
Although keeping a first aid kit in your car is important year-round, it's especially important if you're headed out on a winter road adventure. If there's an accident, the response time from emergency personnel might be slower due to ice and snow on the roads. A first aid kit could come in handy while you wait for help to arrive.
Gloves and Extra Clothing
You already know you'll be braving the elements to clean off the car with your snow brush and scraper. The more layers you can add to your body to prevent frostbite or being just plain uncomfortably cold, the better. Throw an extra pair of gloves, a scarf, and other warm layers in the glove compartment for easy access.
Kitty Litter
You're most likely not bringing any feline friends on the road trip, but packing some kitty litter can still come in handy! When you get stuck in snow, your tires can spin out and lose traction, meaning you're not going anywhere in a hurry. To help get out of this situation, spread the litter underneath the tires to help get some traction and get on your way.
Nissan Cargo Area Protector
Storing muddy and snowy sports equipment in your car is not ideal. Instead, add a cargo area protector that fits seamlessly in the trunk/cargo space of your Nissan to help prevent the interior from falling prey to stains and odors. A removable cargo organizer can also help keep smaller items from rolling back and forth as you twist around mountain curves.
Flashlights
It gets dark earlier in winter, and if you get stuck on the road or have to change a tire, you're going to need to see what you're doing. You could use the flashlight feature on your smartphone, but what if your phone battery is nearly dead? What if you can't recharge it because your car battery is also dead? Stash a flashlight in your car and check the batteries before you head into the mountains. As an added bonus, a bright, durable flashlight can also help make you more visible to others who are on the road.
A Gas Can
Nobody wants to run out of gas, especially on a winter adventure when all you can think about is fresh powder and hot cocoa. While you may not want to store fuel in your trunk, consider packing a small gas container for an emergency. If you can walk or get a lift to the gas station, you can fill the can with a couple of gallons of gas, refuel, and help avoid the cost of a tow truck.
Emergency Flares or Reflectors
Regardless of whether it's daytime or nighttime, visibility is greatly reduced during wintery conditions. By packing emergency flares or reflectors, you make it easier for other cars and emergency vehicles to see you if you're stuck on the side of the road. An emergency road kit, like this kit from Nissan, includes a road reflector and many of the items listed here like jumper cables anda flashlight.
Water and Non-Perishable Snacks
The best part of any road trip is car snacks! But along with being fun and delicious, snacks are also critical to pack for your winter mountain adventure. If you get stranded on the side of the road, a bottle of water and a granola bar can hold you over if help is delayed.
Ready for Your Road Trip?
From rooftop storage solutions to roadside emergency kits, we've got your winter road trip essentials. Shop genuine Nissan gear for the interior and exterior of your Nissan and get ready for a winter mountain adventure!