Source | Eclipse Images
Winter is a great time to hop into the car in search of seasonal fun. Between snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skating, ice fishing, sledding, and more, you'll spend many hours on the road this winter. Just like you would accessorize your wardrobe with warm boots, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, don't forget to outfit your car with practical upgrades for the season.
What are the best car accessories for the colder months? Here are seven must-have winter car accessories to enhance the interior and exterior of your vehicle when the mercury drops:
1. Floor Mats and Cargo Liners
Snow, sleet, slush, and road salt will find their way into your vehicle's interior, no matter how careful you and your passengers are. All-season rubber and vinyl floor mats keep your car floor clean and easier to maintain and prevent moisture absorption in the carpeting. When protecting your floors, pay attention to your trunk too. Cargo area liners feature raised edges and non-slip surfaces to contain the mess from wet skis and snowy sleds, making clean-up a breeze.
2. Seat Covers and Protectors
If there is one season to invest in seat covers, it's wintertime. Like your flooring, your seats will come in contact with wet jackets, snowy bottoms, and road salt. Hot chocolate spills are inevitable, too, especially with pint-sized passengers. Pet pads and protectors also keep muddy paws from ruining your vehicle's upholstery when bringing Fido along. Ever wonder, "How can I make my car interior cozier?" Treat yourself to a heated seat cushion or appealing car decorations, like a steering wheel cover.
3. Shovels, Brushes, and Scrapers
You likely have a snow shovel to clear your driveway, but it's too big and bulky to keep in your car. An extendable shovel is easier to store and is handy for digging your vehicle out of a snowbank. Keep it next to your snow brush and ice scraper. You'll be better equipped to remove snow from your roof and ice on your windows, keeping you and other motorists safe.
4. Battery Boosters and Jumper Cables
Cold temps can wreak havoc on your vehicle's battery, and you never want to be left stranded on the side of the road or empty parking lot. Keeping a set of DieHard jumper cables and a jump starter in your car is essential for the winter months. Not only will you be able to jump-start your battery if it dies, but you can give a neighbor, coworker, or stranger a boost when they need help.
5. Tire Pressure Gauges and Inflators
It's common for tires to lose pressure in colder weather, especially with drastic swings in temperature. For this reason, you'll want to keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove box to check that all wheels have the correct PSI according to your vehicle's specifications. If you are low on air, a portable tire inflator is handy to store in your trunk. It may not be the most exciting of car interior decoration ideas, but it beats searching for a gas station in a blizzard.
6. Winter Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid
Built-up ice, streaks, and heavy wet snow reduce driving visibility, so you should install winter wiper blades before cold weather hits. These wipers are more robust than regular wiper blades, helping you get through the toughest winter conditions. Winter wipers also feature a protective rubber layer that helps prevent the arms from freezing. Remember to pair your wipers with winter-appropriate washer fluid to melt frost, snow, and light ice.
7. Car Covers
If you plan to park your vehicle while you travel south or rely on your winter daily driver to get around, you'll want to protect your car from the elements. Car covers are designed to safeguard your vehicle's exterior from bad weather, like rain, snow, and ice, to maintain its original condition. They also provide protection again scratches, dust, and dirt. When spring arrives, you can remove the cover and enjoy your ride.
What are your must-have winter car accessories? Let us know in the comments.
