Preparing Your Car for a Missoula Winter Road Trip
Winter driving in and around Missoula can go from calm to dangerous fast. Mountain passes, rural highways, sudden storms, and extreme cold all create conditions where a simple trip can turn into a breakdown or recovery situation.
Whether you’re heading toward Lolo Pass, the Bitterroot, Seeley Lake, or just commuting out of town, proper Missoula winter road trip preparation can save you from getting stranded — or calling for a tow in freezing temperatures.
Here’s what to check before you go.
1. Check Your Tires (Pressure and Tread)
Tires are the single most important factor in winter driving safety.
Before leaving:
- Check tire pressure (cold weather lowers PSI)
- Make sure tread depth is adequate for snow
- Confirm winter-rated or snow tires if possible
- Inspect for visible damage or uneven wear
Low tire pressure or worn tread is one of the most common reasons vehicles slide off roads or get stuck during winter travel.
2. Test Your Battery Before Cold Weather Strikes
Cold weather is brutal on car batteries. A battery that works fine in summer may fail without warning in winter.
Check:
- Battery age (3+ years is risky in winter)
- Slow engine cranking
- Corrosion on terminals
- Electrical issues like dim lights
A dead battery on a rural road can leave you stranded far from help.
3. Top Off Fluids Rated for Freezing Temps
Make sure all essential fluids are winter-ready:
- Engine coolant (proper antifreeze mix)
- Windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures
- Engine oil at the correct viscosity
- Brake fluid and power steering fluid at safe levels
Frozen or low fluids are a major cause of winter breakdowns.
4. Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
Even short winter drives in Montana deserve an emergency kit. Include:
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Extra warm clothing and gloves
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Jumper cables or battery jump pack
- Shovel
- Traction aids (sand, kitty litter, traction boards)
- Phone charger or battery pack
These items can keep you safe while waiting for help.
5. Fast Response Times — Especially in Winter Weather
Before starting your trip:
- Check weather forecasts
- Look up road conditions for mountain passes
- Avoid unnecessary travel during storms
- Tell someone your route and ETA
Many winter recovery calls happen because drivers underestimated changing conditions.
6. Avoid Overconfidence in AWD or 4WD
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive help with traction — but they don’t help with stopping or steering on ice.
Even capable vehicles slide off roads when:
- Speed is too high
- Tires aren’t winter-rated
- Roads are icy or drifted
If conditions look unsafe, the best choice is often to delay travel.
7. Know When to Call for Help
If your vehicle:
- Loses traction
- Slides toward a ditch
- Gets stuck in snow
- Stops running in cold weather
Don’t keep spinning tires or pushing the vehicle. That often makes recovery harder and more expensive.
Winter Travel in Missoula Doesn’t Have to End in a Tow
Proper Missoula winter road trip preparation can prevent breakdowns and accidents — but when things don’t go as planned, Speed’s Towing is ready 24/7 to help with:
- Accident recovery
- Light & Medium-Weight towing
- Off-road winch-outs & Heavy Duty Tows
- Roadside assistance across Western Montana
When to Choose Speed’s Towing – (406) 529-7801
Choose Speed’s every time if you want the best of both world’s. We offer 24/7 towing because we know Montanans can need the best towing services day or night, rain or chine. For a local, trusted, and experienced tow truck company.
