10 Essentials for Snow, Ice & Cold Weather Driving
Winter can turn an ordinary drive into a much bigger challenge.
A little preparation now can help with traction, visibility,
cold-weather starting and roadside emergencies later.
Snow, ice, freezing temperatures and shorter daylight hours can make
winter driving harder on both you and your vehicle. The right winter
car accessories won't eliminate bad weather, but they can help you
prepare for common cold-weather problems before you're stuck dealing
with them on the side of the road.
The best setup depends on your vehicle, climate and the roads you
travel. A commuter may need something different from a driver who
regularly crosses mountain passes or travels long rural highways.
Start with the basics below, check your vehicle owner's manual, and
make sure any traction device or electrical accessory is compatible
with your specific vehicle.
1–2Traction & Starting
3–4Visibility & Grip
5–6Warmth & Power
7–8Snow & Interior
9–10Cleanup & Emergency
10 Winter Car Essentials Worth Considering
You may not need every item on this list, but these are practical
categories to consider when preparing a vehicle for winter driving.
1
Winter Tires
Dedicated winter tires are designed to perform in cold temperatures
and winter conditions. If you regularly drive through snow, ice or
prolonged cold weather, they can be one of the most important winter
upgrades you make.
Use the correct tire size and specifications for your vehicle, and
replace tires when tread condition or age makes them unsuitable.
Cold weather can reduce battery performance and make starting more
difficult. In especially cold climates, a compatible battery warmer
may help keep the battery from becoming as cold while the vehicle is
parked.
Choose a product appropriate for your battery and vehicle and follow
the manufacturer's installation and usage instructions.
Good visibility matters even more when roads are covered with slush,
salt and dirty spray. Use washer fluid rated for the temperatures you
expect rather than assuming every formula provides the same freeze
protection.
Check the reservoir before long winter trips and keep the windshield
and washer nozzles in good condition.
Chains or other approved traction devices can provide additional grip
when conditions and regulations call for them. But not every vehicle
can safely use every type of chain.
Check your owner's manual for clearance restrictions and compatible
traction devices, and follow applicable road and chain requirements
where you're traveling.
A 12-volt heated blanket can add comfort during cold trips and may be
useful as part of a winter travel setup. Remember that electrically
heated accessories consume vehicle power.
Follow the product instructions, don't leave powered accessories
running unattended, and keep a conventional warm blanket in the
vehicle as well.
Cold weather can expose a weak battery at the worst possible time.
A charged portable jump starter can help get you moving without
waiting for another vehicle and a set of jumper cables.
Choose one suitable for your vehicle, learn how to use it before an
emergency and keep it charged according to the manufacturer's
instructions.
Snow, ice and road spray can quickly ruin visibility. Winter-oriented
wiper designs can help resist snow and ice buildup compared with worn
or unsuitable blades.
Whatever style you use, replace blades that streak, chatter or leave
areas of the windshield uncleared.
Snow, slush, mud and road salt get carried straight into the vehicle.
Properly fitted all-weather mats make cleanup easier and help protect
the carpet underneath.
Use mats designed to fit securely without interfering with the
accelerator, brake or clutch pedals.
One of the simplest winter tools is also one of the most useful.
A sturdy scraper and snow brush can help clear windows, lights and
other important surfaces before you drive.
Clear the vehicle properly instead of trying to see through a small
opening in an icy or snow-covered windshield.
10
Winter Emergency Kit
Winter delays can become serious when temperatures drop. Build a kit
appropriate for your travel that may include warm clothing or
blankets, flashlight, first-aid supplies, water, basic food, phone
charging and other emergency necessities.
Drivers traveling remote roads or mountain areas may need additional
supplies based on distance, weather and expected conditions.
❄️ CarDudes Winter Tip
Don't wait for the first major snowstorm to discover that your jump
starter is discharged, your scraper is missing or your tires are
nearly worn out. A quick winter check before the weather turns bad
can save a lot of trouble later.
Affiliate disclosure: CarDudes.net may earn a commission
from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links, at no additional
cost to you.
Before the First Serious Freeze
Accessories are only part of winter preparation. Give the vehicle
itself some attention too.
Check the Battery
An aging or weak battery can become much more noticeable when
temperatures drop. Have it evaluated if starting performance is
already questionable.
Inspect Tires & Pressure
Check tread condition and tire pressure regularly. Temperature
changes can affect tire pressure, so don't rely only on how the tires
look.
Check Lights & Visibility
Make sure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, wipers, defrosters
and windshield washers are working properly before bad weather
arrives.
Know Your Route
For winter road trips, check weather and road conditions before
leaving and be prepared to change plans when conditions deteriorate.
Winter Gear Still Requires Common Sense
A Few Important Reminders
Check the vehicle owner's manual before installing tire chains or
other traction devices.
Never assume a heated accessory uses no battery power. Electrical
accessories draw power whenever they're operating.
Keep a portable jump starter charged and follow its instructions for
storage, temperature limits and safe connection.
Don't use floor mats that can slide forward or interfere with the
vehicle's pedals.
Winter tires and traction aids can improve capability, but they do
not eliminate the need to slow down and increase following distance
in poor conditions.
More Winter & Roadside Help From CarDudes
Keep building your winter setup with these CarDudes guides.
Portable Battery Jump Starter
Learn how portable jump starters work, how to use one safely and what
to consider when choosing one for your vehicle.
A few smart preparations can make cold-weather driving safer,
cleaner and a lot less stressful. Check your vehicle, assemble the
gear that makes sense for your driving, and get ready before the
weather turns.
