If you live in the Tacoma area, you know what happens with the onset of winter. It is common for residents in Washington to pack up their gear and head to the mountains. However, no matter what your destination in the mountains, you simply can’t take in the experience with your vehicle unless it has been prepared for winter mountain driving.
And to be frank, most folks underestimate how tough a winter can be on a vehicle. Around here, winter mountain driving means that in a matter of minutes, you can go from moderate temps to sub-freezing and from tame roads to those that are truly intimidating. At Courtesy Auto Service and Tire in Tacoma, we find ourselves responding to a lot of emergencies after due to lack of knowledge or planning ahead for this unexpected dynamic.
Therefore, before you load your equipment in your vehicle and set out for the mountain pass, here is a quick, informal guide of what you must know for a pleasant and easy winter mountain drive.
Table of Contents
Why Mountain Roads Are Way Tougher Than City Streets
Tacoma’s weather can be a bit cold, but the mountains are a whole different story.
Here’s why winter mountain driving is much tougher than most people realize:
1. Temperatures Tank Fast
It can be 42 degrees with rain in Tacoma, but it can be 15 degrees with ice when you get to Snoqualmie Pass. This change in temperature has a different effect on your tires, battery, fluids, and engine.
2. Chain Requirements are Constantly Changing
You can drive without restrictions when you start your journey, but an hour later it will say Chain restrictions—Even AWD. These are not recommendations. You definitely don’t want to be turned around because you didn’t meet the chain up requirements.
3. Roads Can Change Minute to Minute
A blacktop road can turn to fresh, falling snow as quickly as it can turn to black ice. This is why winter mountain driving requires constant vigilance.
4. Help Isn’t Always Close
Break down on I-5, and someone can get to you quickly. Break down halfway up Stevens? Well, you might be waiting a long time, assuming a tow truck can get through in this area of heavy snow.
5. The Climb is Tough on Older Cars
The engines run hotter, transmissions work harder, and worn-out components are likely to fail catastrophically when winter mountain driving.
However, the good news is that all of these issues can be avoided completely with proper prep.
PNW Checklist for Winter Mountain Driving Safety
Before you set out for Snoqualmie, Stevens, Crystal, or Baker, run this check list.
1. Tires: The #1 Factor in Winter Mountain Safety
Tires can make or break winter mountain driving, so it’s essential that your tires are in good condition.
✔ Tread depth: Preferably 5/32” or deeper for snow
✔ Winter tires, all season tires: All season tires are fine in Tacoma; not so in snow
✔ Proper pressure: Tire pressure decreases 1 PSI for every 10-degree fall in temp
Not even a very good driver can drive a vehicle with worn tires in winter mountain driving.
2. Brakes: Weak Brakes Become a Big Problem Fast
Uphill driving poses no issues. Problems with braking are experienced when you are driving downhill.
If your brakes are squealing, vibrating, soft, or taking a longer than usual distance to stop, it is a good idea to check your brakes before engaging in winter mountain driving.
Courtesy Auto Service and Tire can provide your braking system with a complete checkup, so you know you are road-ready for that long drive down into the valley.
3. Battery: Cold Weather’s Favorite Target
A battery failure contributes to half of all breakdowns in winter. Power is consumed quickly during winter mountain driving.
You should check your battery in cases like:
- Over 3 years old
- Slow to start
- Corroded
- Reading below 12.4 volts
A dead battery in 20-degree Fahrenheit conditions, trust me, nobody wants.
4. Fluids: Cold Weather Changes Everything
Ensure that your vital fluids are winter-ready:
- Coolant: Protects from freezing and overheating
- Oil: Viscous in low temps, putting stress on engine
- Brake fluid: A necessity for effective downhill braking
- Transmission fluid: Protects your transmission on steep climbs
- Washer fluid: Watered-down fluid freezes immediately in cases of winter mountain driving.
Courtesy Auto Service and Tire can top off or replace all of the winter-sensitive fluids.
5. Wipers, Defrosters, and Heater: If You Can’t See, You Shouldn’t Drive
Being seen is a huge factor in driving in winter mountain conditions. Snow residue, fog, and ice formations occur quickly in mountainous areas.
Make sure:
- Wipers aren’t streaking
- Defrosters are used front and back
- The heater is easy to use
- Air flow is strong
Make sure your heater and defroster are in working order. If not, repair them before proceeding.
6. Chains & Traction Gear: Don’t Leave Tacoma Without Them
Even all-wheel drive vehicles must be equipped with chains in Washington. Keep:
- Tire chains
- Gloves
- A kneeling pad
- A small shovel
- Traction boards or kitty litter
- Trust us—when winter mountain driving gets messy, you’ll be glad you have this stuff
7. Lights & Visibility Gear: Long Nights, Foggy Days
Winter implies short daylight hours and plenty of low visibility conditions.
Check all lights:
- Headlights
- Fog lights
- Brake lights
- Turn Signals
If your lenses are fogged over or cloudy, Courtesy Auto Service and Tire can correct that.
8. Belts, Hoses, and Engine Components
Cold temperatures accentuate small cracks, turning a potential small problem into a large failure. Prior to winter mountain driving, a mechanic should inspect:
- Serpentine belts
- Radiator hoses
- Water Pump
- Alternator
- Thermostat
A cursory check now will save a ruined ski weekend.
Emergency Kit: Just in Case
Always keep:
- A warm blanket
- Water and snacks
- Backup phone battery
- First-aid kit
- Ice Scraper
- Flashlight
- Emergency Reflectors
Cell phone reception isn’t guaranteed when driving in winter mountain conditions, especially in the Stevens and Snoqualmie passes.
10. Fuel: Always Start with a Full Tank
Elevation driving, cold starts, and chain traffic all consume more fuel than usual. Start your trip with at least ¾ of a tank of fuel.
Why Tacoma Trusts Courtesy Auto Service and Tire for Winter Prep
Here at Courtesy Auto Service and Tire, we get Tacoma drivers prepared for winter mountain driving conditions every year. Our techs know what your vehicle needs to drive in all this snow, ice, altitude, and PNW weather conditions.
We provide:
✔ Full Winter Mountain Safety Inspection
Including tires, brakes, battery, fluids, belts, hoses, HVAC, lights, drivetrain, and many other components
✔ Winter-Ready Fluids
Everything your vehicle needs to handle freezing temps.
✔ Heating & Defrost System Checks
Because fogged windows can become dangerous very quickly.
✔ Peace of Mind
A mountain weekend getaway should never become a roadside emergency for you.
Final Thoughts
Winter in Washington is beautiful, but winter mountain driving conditions are not to be underestimated. A trip to Courtesy Auto Service and Tire can save you from nightmares of car troubles, repairs, ice, and waiting around.
Before you go up the mountain, stop by and let us check that your vehicle is road-ready for your journey. Have a great day and a safe trip!