wintertime driving
Safety

Underrated Car Features That Make Wintertime Driving More Enjoyable

Wintertime driving is no easy feat for vehicles that are not equipped with the right features. The dangers involved go beyond the vehicle itself. Drivers must have the right defensive driving skills to navigate icy roadways just the same.  Fortunately, automakers have expanded the range of winter-friendly amenities available in new vehicles within the last decade. These features have helped drivers to feel safer and significantly warmer when behind the wheel.

If you’re driving in cold temperatures this season, here’s a look at the top five features to have in your car to make the experience much more pleasurable (and safe):

Top 5 car features for driving in winter weather

This list takes into account the five most practical car features for passengers traveling through ice and snow. Some of these features come standard in new models, whereas others are included as an upgrade. 

Heated side mirrors

Some say this heating element is one of the most underrated features on new cars nowadays. And truth be told, we couldn’t agree more! Heated side mirrors are extremely useful, particularly for drivers who spend months on end maneuvering wintery conditions. The heat technology can effectively clear ice and frost build-up from your mirrors within seconds. That means, you don’t have to worry about stopping and scraping your mirrors to have good visibility for the entirety of your drive.

Heated windshield

Although this feature is only seen in a few brand models, such as Jaguar and Volvo, it happens to be a practical addition that can clear ice and condensation from the windshield with little assistance. In essence, it accelerates the defrosting process so you don’t find yourself in a position with poor visibility of the road ahead. One major downside to this advanced feature is it costly to repair. Any minor crack in the windshield will require expert assistance.

Temperature controlled seats

Don’t only rely on your air conditioner to provide the warmth during the winter months. Heated seats are easily one of the most used and low-cost features to add to your new car purchase. These days, many vehicles provide temperature controls for the front and back seat passengers. As a result, your whole family can enjoy the warmth and comfort of braving the elements each year.

Heated steering wheel

Dreaming of a mitten-free grip while driving? Consider upgrading to a heated steering wheel. This car feature can withstand the coldest conditions and add an extra feeling of warmth as you head out on the road. One thing consumers love about the heater steering wheel is it allows for a better grip as well.

Remote start

Remote start is a feature that modern drivers enjoy all year-round. However, when the temps hit below freezing, this feature is one of the best ways to warm up your vehicle before you set out on a journey. Either use your key fob or smartphone (depending on the automaker) to start your vehicle and get the engine running ahead of time.

Safety tips for wintertime driving

Driving during the winter season brings along its own set of challenges and unpredictable road conditions. While most modern vehicles come equipped with advanced safety tech, it’s important for drivers to take part in safe driving practices as well. Here are some winter safety tips for those living and traveling in cold regions right now:

  • Make sure your tires are in good condition
  • Reduce speed in slippery conditions
  • Maintain adequate distance between you and other vehicles on the road
  • Keep a full tank of gas at all times
  • Avoid sudden maneuvers, like last-minute braking or sharp turns

We hope these wintertime driving tips and underrated car features help improve your comfort in the car during the next few months! Looking for other ways to better prepare for your winter commutes? Here’s a list of the best cars for winter driving.

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Michaella Malone
Michaella Malone is a content specialist and full-time freelancer with 5+ years of experience working with small businesses on online platforms. She is a graduate of Florida State University (Go Noles!) and avid traveller, having visited over 25 countries and counting. In addition to blogging, ghostwriting, and social media content, she has contributed to the development of English as a Second Language (ESL) curriculums for international programs.

    1 Comment

    1. These are all so practical and necessary it’s hard to imagine people ever drove in the snow without these modern features at one point.

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