The Great Outdoors - Family Camping Guide

*Know how to use your tire chains and that they fit your tire size. Yes, do this even if you have massive tire tread. As a precaution, install your new tire chains in your garage. When you do, make sure to trim overhanging chain because it will act as a weed whacker inside your fender. For tires larger than 33 inches, you'll need to get chains at an off-road specialty shop because they generally don't carry them at Wal-Mart in large sizes. On a recent winter trip we saw people putting chains on the rear of their front-wheel-drive vehicles. Craziness, we know.

*Spray graphite lubricant in locks to keep them from freezing up.

*Check heater/defrosters. FYI: They are important for visibility and passenger comfort.

*Always, always, always keep your gas tank full. Running out of gas really sucks. In the winter it's way worse.

*Frozen locks can be a problem. Use a lighter to heat your key, then insert it into the frozen lock or try going in a different door.

*Brake carefully, steer gently, and accelerate like your foot is a feather.

*Finally, remember that you are always supposed to steer into a wet and wild snow skid.