MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota – With Thanksgiving travel fast approaching, Minnesota officials are urging drivers to prepare their vehicles now for winter’s challenges. From Minneapolis to Duluth, state agencies are emphasizing the importance of early maintenance and safety planning before snow, ice, and subfreezing temperatures take hold later this month.
According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, early November is the ideal time to check tire tread, test batteries, replace wiper blades, and top off antifreeze. Drivers are also advised to pack a winter emergency kit with a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and traction aids such as sand or kitty litter.
Motorists traveling I-35, I-94, and U.S. 10 during Thanksgiving week should plan for long distances between service stations and rapidly changing weather — especially across northern counties. “Minnesota’s first snow events often catch travelers off guard,” an MnDOT spokesperson said. “Preparation now means safer travel when conditions deteriorate.” Officials recommend keeping at least half a tank of gas, dressing in layers, and checking 511mn.org for real-time road, plow, and closure updates.
With the state entering peak winter readiness season, MnDOT stresses that early preparation will keep holiday traffic moving safely and reduce roadside emergencies across Minnesota’s cities and rural highways.
