Photo by Chris Peeters
The Best Car Accessories for Protecting Your Car This Winter
Winter is a challenging time for you and your vehicle. Harsh weather conditions threaten both the inside and outside of your vehicle, and you should know which products will help you protect your car from winter weather. It’s more than a cover for the car in winter; it’s critical to equip your vehicle with the right snow accessories for your car that will keep you and your vehicle safe from damage during the winter months.
Why Prepare
Your Car for Winter Challenges
Winter driving is nothing like driving during the rest of the year. Not only do you need to contend with snow and ice, but you also need to use extreme caution to avoid accidents. If those conditions weren’t bad enough, add sub-zero temperatures, and you and your vehicle are subject to the harsh environment. It’s enough to make you want to throw a cover for the car in winter over it and wait until spring to drive again.
You don’t have to go so far as cover the car in the winter and stop driving; there are plenty of available snow accessories for your car to help you face the winter challenges head-on.
Exterior Protection - Custom-Fit Car Covers
When you use a cover for the car in winter, you take one of the easiest steps in winterizing your vehicle. A high-quality winter cover for your car will go a long way to protect your paint and body from damage from ice, hail, and even salt from the road.
Custom Stormproof™ Indoor & Outdoor Car Covers
A Custom Stormproof™ Indoor & Outdoor Car Covers by Coverking provides a protective barrier between your vehicle and the elements. It’s UV and water-resistant, and the cover will not fade or crack after exposure to the sun. The microfiber material is breathable, which means no moisture or mildew buildup under the surface. It protects your vehicle inside the garage and provides a winter cover for your car.
Custom Silverguard Plus Reflective Car Covers
The Custom Silverguard Plus Reflective Car Cover from Coverking does more than keep snow, ice, rain, and dirt from landing on your car’s paint; it reflects the UV rays for sun-proof protection. It has a soft inner liner, so you never need to worry that it will scratch your car’s finish, and it’s a guaranteed fit that will contour to your car’s lines for complete coverage.
Interior Preservation - Custom Seat Covers
Winter is hard on your interior, too. Getting in and out of your car after being wet from snow or rain can ruin the material of your car’s seats, so a good set of custom seat covers protects the seats from damage.
CORDURA® 1000 Denier Xtra-Duty Seat Covers
A set of ShearComfort’s CORDURA® 1000 Denier Xtra-Duty Seat Covers gives your seats maximum coverage from all the toughest conditions. They are designed to be waterproof, puncture-resistant, and heavy-duty. Great for work trucks or anyone who takes their dogs with them. They’re easy to clean, and they come in 10 color combinations. Since they’re custom-fit, they will protect every nook and cranny of your seats.
Exact-fit custom Neoprene Seat Covers are waterproof and kid-friendly, so if there’s a spill, wipe it up. In addition, these covers are UV-resistant so that they won’t fade in the sun, and they’re high-abrasion resistant, which makes them very durable. With 11 color combinations, you’re sure to find the right color for your interior. Since they’re custom fit, they will protect all of your seat fabric and fit securely.
For those who spend their time outdoors, it’s not just about protecting your vehicle during the winter months; it’s about protecting your seats all year round. Hunting season is always hard on car seats, so a set of Realtree Camo Seat Covers will protect your seats from mud, dirt, blood, and sharp objects. 600 Denier polyester/nylon blend gives these seat covers the strength you’re looking for and makes them easy to clean with a damp cloth. With eight patterns, you’ll find the camo pattern that suits your lifestyle.
Don’t forget to protect your floors with a new set of floor mats.
The Endura Floor Mats are custom-made to fit your footwells, so every inch of your factory carpet is protected from muddy feet. With 11 colors, you’ll find the right one for your vehicle.
Custom Luxury Plush Designer Floor Mats
The Custom Luxury Plush Designer Floor Mats add a layer of luxury to your vehicle’s floors. They are made from deep plush, and Scotchguard™ gives them a stain-resistant finish. Choose from three colors.
The DuraClear Vinyl Floor Mats are custom cut using CAD/CAM for a precision fit. These budget-friendly mats are a tough barrier between dogs, construction materials, tools, and your factory carpet.
Under the Hood - Engine Block Heaters
If you live in extremely cold climates, an engine block heater is a ‘must-have’ accessory for your vehicle. It is designed to warm the engine before you try to start the car, ensuring a smooth start and reducing wear and tear. An engine heater is especially beneficial to diesel engines since they have more cold-weather issues than gas engines.
Snow Chains and Traction Mats
Traction is always an issue in snow and ice, so you should equip your vehicle with good snow chains. Snow chains are mandatory for some cars and trucks in some states with steep mountains.
A traction mat is another snow accessory for cars you’ll want handy should you get stuck in the snow.
Fog Lights and Headlamp Enhancements
Reduced visibility is a common problem during the winter. Between snow, fog, and early nightfall, your visibility can be severely limited. That’s why it’s a good idea to upgrade your car’s lighting with fog lamps if you don’t have them and replace your headlights with High-Intensity Discharge (HID) bulbs that are two or three times brighter than regular halogen bulbs. Yellow lights also do a good job of cutting through snow and fog.
Pet Protection - Pet Seat Covers
Pets are already hard on your interior, even if it isn’t winter. With dirty feet, sharp toenails, and dog drool, seat covers are needed to protect your upholstery. Winter only makes your pet muddier, wetter, messier, and happier.
If you don’t have a set of seat covers, a Universal Pet Seat Cover will protect your seats from mud and mess. It is made of durable material to provide maximum protection while keeping your furry friend comfortable. It is non-slip, abrasion and stain-resistant. Order yours with a head bolster, so your pup can snooze comfortably while you travel.
Atomic and Camo Universal Pet Seat Covers
ShearComfort’s Atomic and Camo Universal Pet Seat Covers offer the highest degree of protection you can ask for from a pet seat cover. These seat covers are waterproof, heavy-duty, stain-resistant, and tear-resistant, so take your dog along anywhere you go. They come in 13 patterns, including Moon Shine Undertow, Moon Shine Muddy Girl, Moon Shine Wildfire, and traditional black.
Tips for Regular Winter Maintenance
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your car in good condition during the winter. Here is a winter maintenance checklist:
- Check the battery
- Maintain proper tire pressure
- Ensure your antifreeze is sufficient
- Regularly clean your car to remove salt
- Here is a list of what to have in your car for the winter:
- Emergency first aid kit
- Emergency tool kit
- Blankets
- Flashlights
- Snacks and fluids
- Traction mat
Conclusion
When you and your vehicle are ready for all that winter has to offer, it’s easier to take on the snow, sleet, rain, and fog with confidence.
