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Vermont Winter Weather Awareness: Is Your Car Ready for Snow?
Burlington, VT – Snow covered streets, icy intersections and freezing temperatures are familiar winter challenges across Vermont. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, drivers in Burlington and sur
By Dylan Reeves · 2026-11-06T10:28:51.572Z
Burlington, VT – Snow covered streets, icy intersections and freezing temperatures are familiar winter challenges across Vermont. As the 2026 27 winter season approaches, drivers in Burlington and surrounding communities face an important question: Is your vehicle prepared for another season of snow and ice?
According to Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management, winterizing vehicles before cold weather arrives can help prevent mechanical failures, unexpected breakdowns and potentially dangerous situations that leave motorists stranded.
For drivers across Burlington, Chittenden County and the greater Burlington metropolitan area, preparation is particularly important along Interstate 89, U.S. Route 7 and local roads where snowfall, slush and freezing conditions can affect travel.
Five Steps to Prepare Your Vehicle for Vermont Winter Weather 1. Pack a winter emergency kit. Keep blankets, warm clothing, water, nonperishable snacks, a flashlight, jumper cables, a phone charger and a small shovel inside your vehicle.
2. Maintain adequate fuel. Keep your gas tank at least half full whenever possible. Additional fuel can be valuable during unexpected traffic delays or winter emergencies.
3. Inspect your tires. Check tire pressure and tread depth. Winter tires can improve traction and handling on snow covered roads, particularly on Vermont's hills and rural routes.
4. Replace worn windshield wipers. Install winter capable blades and use freeze resistant windshield washer fluid to help maintain visibility during snowfall and road salt buildup.
5. Schedule a mechanical inspection. Have a qualified mechanic examine the battery, antifreeze, brakes, heater, defroster and other essential systems before severe cold arrives.
Could Your Vehicle Handle Vermont's Next Snowfall? Winter conditions around Burlington can change quickly, particularly when lake influenced snowfall, freezing precipitation or overnight temperature drops affect road surfaces.
Drivers should monitor weather forecasts, check road conditions and allow additional travel time during winter weather.
Before snow begins accumulating, Vermont motorists should ask themselves: Would my vehicle be ready if winter arrived tomorrow?