Navigate Your Winter Do-It-Yourself Move
February 19, 2021
Snowflakes falling on trees often create picture-postcard winterscapes, but snow and ice-covered roadways can also make driving hazardous for Penske Truck Rental's do-it-yourself movers.
<p>In a winter season that has gripped most of the country, packing a healthy dose of preparation before you start your move is even more crucial. </p><p>With your safety in mind, Penske Truck Rental has assembled a few winter driving <a href="https://www.pensketruckrental.com/renting-from-penske/plan-your-move/winter-driving/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">safety tips</a> to keep you and your loved ones safe.</p><p>Central Reservation's Moving Advisors are trained to offer winter driving safety tips for renters whose moves take them into areas experiencing winter weather. We have assembled some of their suggestions.</p><p>One of the first major hurdles is adjusting to the difference in driving a rental truck compared to another type of vehicle, such as cars. Trucks take longer to stop and are not as low to the ground as personal vehicles.</p><p>When you slide into the driver's seat, make sure to take a few minutes to let the truck warm up before starting your journey.</p><h2>Before you leave:</h2> <ul class="ee-ul"> <li>Check weather sources before your move to help you plan out your trip. When traveling, listen to local radio stations for the forecast.</li> </ul> <ul class="ee-ul"><li>Make sure you have a snowbrush and ice scraper in your truck during your move to remove snow and ice from all windows, lights, hood and roof.</li> <li>Stock your vehicle with basic supplies like warm clothing, blankets, flashlights, extra food, bottled water, road flares and a first-aid kit. Sunglasses help cut glare from snow.</li></ul> <p>Movers traveling through mountain passes or northern states may be required to have tire chains available in the event of a snow or ice storm, so it is a good idea to have them on hand.</p><h2>While driving:</h2> <ul class="ee-ul"><li>Leave extra room between the truck and the vehicle in front of you. Trucks require even more time and room to stop in bad weather.</li> <li>Don't force too much power on the drive wheels; this can cause you to lose traction when driving in the snow and result in a side skid.</li> <li>Use extra caution when traveling across bridges and overpasses. They freeze before the road.</li></ul> <p>There are also special considerations you should take when driving a diesel-powered truck in cold weather.</p><p>You should always park your truck out of the wind and remember to turn off all lights to allow batteries to maintain a full charge. Cold weather decreases the battery output.</p><p>In the unlikely event of an equipment malfunction, Penske 24/7 Roadside Assistance is available to help.</p><p><em>It's not too late to plan your winter move. Penske Truck Rental offers free unlimited miles on all one-way truck rentals, discounts for AAA members, college students and members of the military as well as packing supplies and 24/7 roadside assistance. Are you ready to make a reservation? Visit the Penske Truck Rental </em><a href="http://www.pensketruckrental.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>website</em></a><em> for more information.</em></p><p style="text-align: right;"><em>By "Move Ahead" Staff</em></p>
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