Montana Winter Travel Ready

Winter 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 prep 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 through mountain passes, you’ll want to find a pair of winter tires that are properly rated for snow. This will provide m

ore secure handling of your vehicle, and also allow more stopping ability on that snow packed road. When shopping for winter tires, consider what your usual winter driving conditions are. This 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 & snow brush
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 items (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.