New Year driving safety Missoula
A new year is a fresh start — but in Missoula, January also means icy roads, snow-packed highways, and some of the toughest driving conditions of the year.
Every winter, Speed’s Towing responds to calls that spike right after the holidays: stranded vehicles, dead batteries, slide-offs, and preventable accidents. Starting the year with smart habits can reduce your chances of needing a tow — and keep you safer on Montana roads.
Here’s how to start the new year driving safely in Missoula.
Following these winter driving best practices in Missoula can help you stay safe — and avoid needing a tow in freezing conditions.
1. Don’t Assume the Roads Are Better After the Holidays
Many drivers assume road conditions improve after December — but January and February are often worse.
Post-holiday hazards include:
Packed snow turning into solid ice
- Refreezing meltwater overnight
- Reduced daylight visibility
- Less frequent plowing on secondary roads
Treat early January driving with the same caution you would during a storm.
2. Check Your Vehicle After Holiday Travel
If you traveled during the holidays, your vehicle may already be under stress.
Before settling back into routine driving, check:
- Tire pressure (cold weather lowers PSI)
- Tire tread and sidewall damage
- Battery performance
- Windshield wipers and washer fluid
- Warning lights on the dashboard
Small issues left unaddressed often lead to roadside breakdowns later in the winter.
3. Adjust Driving Habits for Winter’s Coldest Weeks
January and February bring the coldest temperatures in Missoula — and that affects your vehicle.
Cold weather can cause:
- Batteries to fail suddenly
- Fluids to thicken
- Tires to lose traction
- Engines to struggle at startup
Drive more conservatively, allow extra warm-up time, and avoid pushing your vehicle harder than necessary.
4. Avoid Rushing — Especially Early in the Year
New year schedules often mean rushing back to work, school, and commitments. Speed and impatience are major causes of winter accidents.
If roads are slick:
- Leave earlier
- Slow down
- Increase following distance
- Skip risky passes
A few extra minutes is better than ending up in a ditch.
5. Know When to Call for Help Instead of Pushing On
Many winter towing calls happen because drivers tried to “make it home” when conditions were already unsafe.
If you:
- Start sliding repeatedly
- Lose traction on hills
- Get stuck in snow
- Experience engine trouble in cold weather
Stop and reassess before things get worse.
6. Make a New Year Habit of Being Prepared
A few simple habits can drastically reduce winter breakdowns:
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
- Save Speed’s Towing in your phone
- Check weather before driving rural roads
- Avoid unnecessary travel during storms
- Maintain proper tire pressure and battery health
Prepared drivers make safer decisions — especially in Montana winters.
Start the New Year Prepared — Speed’s Towing Is Here 24/7
Even with the best preparation, winter roads can still surprise you. When that happens, Speed’s Towing is ready to help.
- 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.
