PORTLAND, Maine – With Thanksgiving travel fast approaching, Maine officials are reminding drivers to prepare vehicles now for the long winter ahead. From Portland to Bangor, motorists are being urged to complete seasonal maintenance and stock essential supplies before the first round of widespread snow and ice arrives later this month.
According to the Maine Department of Transportation, now is the ideal time to inspect tires, top off antifreeze, and replace worn wiper blades. Motorists should also carry a winter emergency kit with blankets, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, and traction material such as sand or kitty litter. These steps, the agency says, can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a dangerous roadside emergency once conditions worsen.
Drivers planning holiday trips on I-95, Route 1, or rural county roads are advised to keep fuel tanks at least half full and store extra layers, water, and snacks. “We see too many preventable breakdowns when the weather turns,” a Maine DOT spokesperson said. “A few minutes of preparation now can keep you and your family safe during Thanksgiving travel.”
The department also recommends downloading the Maine 511 app for live traffic, plow, and closure updates as the season begins. Early attention to safety, officials stress, will help ensure smooth and secure travel across Maine’s cities and backroads once winter takes hold.
