SACRAMENTO, California – With Thanksgiving travel fast approaching, California transportation officials are reminding drivers to prepare vehicles now for winter driving — especially through the Sierra Nevada and coastal ranges. From Los Angeles to Sacramento, motorists are urged to complete maintenance and safety checks before storms, fog, and mountain snow return later this month.
According to the California Department of Transportation, early November is the best time to inspect tires, test batteries, top off antifreeze, and replace wiper blades. Drivers should also carry a winter emergency kit that includes blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and traction materials such as chains, sand, or kitty litter.
Motorists planning Thanksgiving trips on I-5, I-80, and U.S. 395 should expect heavier traffic and changing conditions across the state’s diverse landscapes. “California drivers often go from sunshine to snow in a few hours,” a Caltrans spokesperson said. “Preparing now helps everyone stay safe, whether you’re headed to the mountains or the coast.” Officials advise keeping at least half a tank of fuel, packing warm clothing, and checking QuickMap.dot.ca.gov for real-time road, chain control, and closure updates.
With one of the nation’s busiest travel weeks approaching, Caltrans emphasizes that readiness and caution are key for safe, smooth Thanksgiving travel across California’s highways and high-elevation routes as winter driving season begins.
