Winter Car Prep: A Guide to Not Getting Stranded by a Resident of Colorado's Coldest Town

Here at Gnara HQ in Gunnison, Colorado, where -40°F temperatures are just another Tuesday, we know a thing or two about winter driving. When you live in winter wonderland, your car preparation game better be strong. And since we've had our fair share of sudden storms rolling in while crossing Monarch Pass (hello, unexpected whiteout conditions! 👋), we thought we'd share our essential guide to winter car preparedness.

Because let's be real – there's nothing quite like that moment when the weather alert hits your phone and you think "...well, this adventure just got interesting."

The Basics (AKA The Non-Negotiables):

• Jumper cables (because dead batteries love cold mornings)
• Ice scraper and snow brush (the tiny one from the gas station won't cut it)
• Small shovel (trust us on this one)
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Blankets
• Extra warm layers
• Hand warmers
• Portable phone charger
  
• A gallon of water
• Snacks (the good kind, not just forgotten old granola bars)

The "Level Up" Items:

• Cat litter or sand for traction
• Battery-powered radio
• Multi-tool
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Emergency candles (they can actually heat your car!)
• Extra washer fluid (the winter kind)
• Tow strap
• Battery jump starter (game changer!)
  
• Device like Garmin's InReach to call for help in areas out of service
  
  

The Pre-Trip Checklist:

1. Check the weather (then check it again -- the iPhone weather app isn't gonna cut it here)
2. Know your route AND alternatives
3. Fill up your tank (half tank is the new empty in winter)
4. Check your tire pressure (cold air = lower pressure)
5. Test your battery (cold weather is not kind to weak batteries)
6. Make sure your phone is charged (and your emergency contacts are updated)
   
   

Pro Tips from Your Gunnison Friends:

• Those weather alerts? Take them seriously. We've seen blue skies turn into zero visibility in minutes.
• Tell someone your route and ETA. 
• Keep your emergency kit easily accessible – not buried under your camping gear.
• Check those tire treads! "All-season" tires aren't always enough for Colorado winters.

Stay safe out there, adventurers! ❄️

P.S. Have a winter car prep tip we missed? Drop it in the comments below! We're always looking to level up our prep and survival game, especially when it comes to surviving Gunni winters.