If you’re planning a trip through New Hampshire, most of the usual driving rules and advice apply, but you should still take time to study the following suggestions before you go. New Hampshire roads feature hazards and challenges unique to the state, so being forewarned means being forearmed. Here are several recommendations on how to prepare your car for New Hampshire roads.
Basic Maintenance
No matter where you go, you need to be sure your car is working properly before you go anywhere. Start with the tires. Make sure they’re all properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI levels. Inspect them carefully and see that they’re free from foreign objects, punctures, abrasions, scrapes, and tears. If you suffer a flat tire or blow out in the more rural areas of the state, you might get stuck. Make sure you get regular tune-ups and oil changes—every 3,000 to 6,000 miles, according to your car’s make—and have the transmission fluid inspected and replaced every 30,000 to 60,000 miles to keep your gears lubricated. Top off all the other fluids, including the gas tank, and give your vehicle a good cleaning before you hit the road.
Mountains
New Hampshire has a varied terrain. Much of it is hilly to some degree yet it includes flat seacoast and the White Mountains which include Mt. Washington, the highest peak in northeastern North America at 6,288′ tall. Consequently, the land can be rough, rugged, and challenging for vehicles. Be aware of the weather and avoid getting caught on the road in heavy rain or snow. Keep an eye out for anything unexpected when you’re driving the mountains and hills, stay on your side of the road, keep your headlights on, and watch your car’s temperature as you tax the motor driving up and down. Mind your gears as you shift and reduce your speed when heading downward, too—it’ll save your transmission.
Winter
When thinking about how to prepare your car for New Hampshire roads, remember the weather. If you don’t need to drive in a New Hampshire snowstorm, don’t. Instead, stay put out where you are and experience winter on foot instead! Monadnock Regions locations that allow hiking, typically allow winter hikers and snowshoers as well. Here’s a little activity you can enjoy off-road and motivation for being outdoors in the winter!
If you do have to drive and are motoring through the mountainous regions, take it easy and follow these pieces of advice. Keep your tank full to keep it from freezing, and fully inflate your tires for better traction. Get out of the habit of using your parking brake because the cold can cause it to freeze as well. Update your wipers to clear the snow and grime from your windshield, giving you a better view of your surroundings. Emergency road kits are a necessity. Pack yours with flares, jumper cables, a flashlight, a first aid kit, an emergency blanket, an empty gas can, a phone charger, and other safety items. Packing food and water is an excellent idea as well. If you break down, stay calm, tie an emergency flag to your antenna, and stay put, keeping your tailpipe clear of snow if need be. Stay put, and help will come!
