This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CWU chapter.

Hurray! Time for home cooked meals, snuggles with our pets and of course good ole’ family time. We all know the relaxation doesn’t hit until our car pulls into the driveway. Getting home can be stressful (especially if you’re driving over the pass) sometimes we need help getting our ducks in a row before a big excursion on our own. Here are some tips for getting back safe, at a reasonable price and in time for your favorite holiday shenanigans.

Prepare Your Car

We live in Central Washington keeping your car up to date is super important when driving long distances through the snow/cold weather.

Check and refill your oil. You can buy oil for around $25 or less at Fred Myers or any auto store. Oil type is located on the cap under the hood.
Have a first aid/car emergency kit. Include a flashlight, snacks, toilet paper and blankets
CHAINS! Regardless of 4×4, roads get nasty (the state requires them most of the time anyways)
Empty gas can could come in handy
Food and water just in case you get stranded
Set your AM radio to the traffic revisions while driving. They flash on the freeway when needed

Check Out the Conditions in Advice

Plan it out… the weather is unpredictable, but the Washington State Department of Transportation is not! http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ This link takes you right to WA traveler information giving you access to Snoqualmie pass, weather predictions, and travel alerts.

Safe winter driving tips http://www.wsdot.com/winter/
Snoqualmie Pass Road & Weather Conditions
Thanks to some of CWUs faculty, here are two respectable mechanics in Ellensburg that charge a fair price for fixing any issues.
Deans Muffler Brake & Transmission (509)-925-1152

https://www.yelp.com/biz/deans-muffler-brake-and-transmission-ellensburg