Let’s be honest, Spring and Summer bring about all the different elements here in Colorado. There are wildfires, storms of dust/hail/rain, wind gusts of over 30 mph, landslides, and more. However, we all know that this is part of living in the most beautiful state. So to make traveling and your summer road trips that much easier we present to you a guide to help you travel safely in anything less than perfect weather.
- Maintenance Your Vehicle
With unannounced storms of high winds, rain, dust, or smoke, the best thing you can do is have your vehicle prepared before mother nature strikes.
For wind, the most important thing to maintenance is the air pressure in your tires.
For rain and dust, ensure that your windshield wipers work properly and that your windshield wiper fluid is full.
If smoke or dust are a future concern, be sure to check that your headlights are working properly and use the low beams; as high beams can reflect off the smoke and make visibility even worse.
Finally, not only in storms but anytime you drive you want to make sure that you do not have an obstructed view so be sure to maintenance any cracks or chips in your windshield.
- Check the Forecast
The Weather Channel - Looking for a 10-day forecast to plan ahead for any wind, snow, or precipitation? This phone app will inform you of all of this as well as an hourly basis and includes visibility. Use this app to help you pick the perfect day and time to travel. For both Android and IOS.
NOAA Weather Radar - This is the ultimate free, real-time weather radar available for any cellular device Android or IOS. You will get the standard 14-day, 7-day, and 24-hour forecasts, along with storms and their forecasted paths.
- Plan Your Route
COTrip - This resource is a great website to check for road closures, road conditions, travel alerts, and more. If you are concerned about the Colorado traffic, landslides, or wildfires. This is a great resource to use to ensure that the route you were planning to take is clear.
CDOT- A website that provides it all. Summer and winter driving tips, travel alerts, road conditions, scenic routes, and more. Use this app if you are still in the planning phase of your road trip or if you are looking to educate yourself in driving in any type of weather or inclement conditions such as Wildfires or Landslides.
We hope this guide helps you travel safely this Spring and Summer and makes you feel more knowledgeable and equipped for when a storm arises. If you are ever in a severe storm while you are driving please pull over and wait safely until conditions improve or drive extra slow and keep your space.
From all of us here at Quick-Set Auto Glass, drive safely out there!
