Preparing Your Car for a Ski Trip to Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon

Preparing Your Car for a Ski Trip to Little or Big Cottonwood Canyon

A fresh layer of powder in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon is a call to action for every Utah skier and snowboarder. But before you load up your gear and head for the mountains, it’s crucial to make sure your car is ready for the journey. The canyon roads present unique challenges that demand more from your vehicle than your daily commute in the Salt Lake Valley.

A well-prepared car ensures you get to the slopes safely and back home without any unwelcome surprises. This checklist will help you get your vehicle ready for a successful ski trip.

The Non-Negotiable: Utah's Traction Laws

First things first, you need to know the rules of the road. The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) implements traction restrictions for both Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. These are legally enforced for your safety.

• Traction Law (in effect): This requires all vehicles to be equipped with approved traction devices like snow tires or all-wheel drive. Most passenger vehicles with all-wheel drive and good all-season tires meet this requirement.
  
• 4WD/AWD with Snow Tires
  
• 2WD with Winter Tires (M+S or Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol)
  
• 2WD with Traction Devices (like auto-socks)
  
• Tire Chain Law (in effect): This is a more severe restriction. During a tire chain law, every vehicle on the road must have approved traction devices, which typically means physically installing chains on your tires. All-wheel drive does not exempt you during this restriction.

Check the UDOT Cottonwood Canyons website or social media before you leave home for the current restriction status. Ignoring these laws can result in a fine and being turned around.

Your Pre-Trip Vehicle Checkup

A little preparation in your driveway can prevent a breakdown on a steep, snowy canyon road.

1. Tire Pressure and Tread
 Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you start driving) and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended level, found on the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb. Also, check your tread depth. Worn tires cannot grip snow and ice effectively, making them unsafe for canyon travel.

2. Battery Strength
 Cold weather is tough on car batteries. A battery that seems fine in the mild temperatures of Taylorsville might not have the power to start your car after it's been sitting in a freezing ski resort parking lot for several hours. If your battery is more than three years old, consider having it tested at a shop like ours.

3. Windshield Washer Fluid and Wipers
 The spray from wet, sandy roads will quickly dirty your windshield, and the low winter sun can make a streaky window impossible to see through.

• Washer Fluid: Completely empty your summer fluid and fill the reservoir with a winter-grade fluid that won’t freeze. Look for a product rated for at least -20°F.
• Wiper Blades: If your wipers are streaking or leaving patches, replace them. Consider winter wiper blades, which are designed to resist ice buildup.
  
  

4. Antifreeze/Coolant Level and Strength

This fluid keeps your engine from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. We can test the strength of your coolant to ensure its freezing point is well below zero, protecting your engine from catastrophic damage.

What to Pack in Your Car for the Trip

Even with a well-maintained vehicle, conditions can change quickly. Pack an emergency kit specifically for winter travel:

• A sturdy ice scraper and snow brush
  
• A small shovel to dig out of a parking spot
  
• Traction aids like sand, kitty litter, or traction mats
  
• A fully charged phone and a portable charger
  
• Extra warm clothing, gloves, hats, and blankets
  
• Water and high-energy snacks
  
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
  
  

Smart Driving Tips for Canyon Roads

• Fill Up Your Gas Tank: Never head into the canyons with a low fuel level. Idling in traffic or a long line of cars uses more gas than you might think.
  
• Check for Road Closures or Delays: Always check UDOT traffic alerts for the latest on canyon conditions, parking availability, and any mandatory closures due to avalanche control.
• Be Patient and Smooth: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or steering. Smooth, gradual inputs are the key to maintaining control on snow and ice.
  
  

Drive Confidently to the Powder

A safe and enjoyable ski trip starts with a reliable vehicle. Taking these steps ensures you can focus on the fresh tracks, not on whether your car can handle the journey home.

Schedule a Pre-Ski Trip Safety Inspection in Salt Lake County

Want to head for the hills with total confidence? The team at Jones Complete Car Care can perform a comprehensive winter safety check. We’ll inspect your battery, tires, brakes, and critical fluids to make sure your car is ready for the demands of Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon.

We have three convenient locations to serve you in Salt Lake City, Taylorsville, and Clearfield.

Contact us today to book an appointment. Let us help you prepare for a safe and spectacular ski season.