Driving during winter months can be hard on both the driver and the automobile. “Winterizing” your vehicle is an investment that not only increases comfort, but more importantly, increases safety.
Cold temperatures can affect the way your car operates, and automobile problems that arise in the winter are often only considered once they appear.
Slippery conditions can affect tire safety, cold weather can reduce the battery’s cranking power, and frigid air causes engine oil to thicken. For consumers living in areas that reach especially low temperatures, it’s a good idea to visit a mechanic to check your car’s basic vitals.
In addition to a precautionary maintenance check, harsh winter weather also brings cosmetic challenges that can be addressed before the winter months. Here are five products that will help winterize your vehicle.
One of the most basic safety must-haves during winter is reliable tire chains. Snowstorms create hazardous road conditions, but having chains increases the car’s traction and braking capabilities.
Security Chain Company makes chains designed to fit cars, pickups, and SUV’s with quick and simple installation. In addition, the “Z” line of Security Chain Company’s products operates in less than half the space required by traditional chains. Security Chain Company’s Z line product is currently sold on Amazon for under $100.
Windshield wipers are the type of product drivers don’t typically replace until it’s too late. After all, when do you think about your windshield wipers other than when you need to replace them?
Being caught in a storm without properly functioning windshield wipers is dangerous, so it’s a good idea to replace your wipers before each winter. The Bosch ICON Wiper Blade has an award-winning design and lasts up to 40% longer than other wiper blades. It’s available at Advance Auto Parts for $25.49.
Hint: Be sure to research what size wiper blades your car needs before purchasing.
Moisture increases the car’s susceptibility to oxidation and rust, while causing the paint to fade and lose its shine. Thoroughly waxing your car will help protect your paint from harsh winter weather and preserve paint vibrancy.
Meguiar’s NXT Generation Liquid Wax allows water to bead up and roll off the car’s exterior. This wax will also protect against salt used to de-ice roads, which could otherwise damage the paint on your car.
Brutal winter weather is an obvious concern for your car’s exterior, but people often forget to protect the interior from mud and wetness that’s easily tracked into the car during winter months. WeatherTech FloorLiners are installed on your car’s floors, and contain a reservoir that catches dirt, water, and mud – allowing for easy removal.
Additionally, the company guarantees against defects in the materials or workmanship of your fitted floor liner for three years.
Winterizing your car should also include a little splurging. Waking up for your morning commute will be more enjoyable with a heated auto seat cushion. Although this sounds like an expensive upgrade, Target carries a heated auto seat cushion for only $4.00.
The cushion plugs into your vehicle’s 12V cigarette lighter, and has a temperature control switch. This product also has the benefit of protecting your car’s interior.
