As we head into the busy holiday travel season, now is a great time to make sure your vehicle is prepared for a winter road trip. Preparing for cold, icy conditions is essential for safe and stress-free driving, and a little preparation can make a big difference. From basic safety checks to cold-weather comfort upgrades, here are some tips and essential products to keep you and your passengers safe, warm, and entertained on winter roads.
Safety
Drivers face a barrage of conditions in winter: cold, rain, snow, ice. Add in holiday traffic and the responsibilities of wrangling a family, and it’s not difficult to understand how things can become overwhelming. Fortunately, there are several small things you can do that go a long way to removing stress and improving safety on the road.
Tires
Perhaps the most important thing you can do for vehicle safety is make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread remaining. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend increasing tire pressure in the winter, but check your owner’s manual for the exact numbers. And while you’re at it, when was the last time you checked the pressure of your spare? Time to pop the trunk.
Lights
Increased precipitation leads to reduced visibility, so it’s a good idea to check your lights and replace any that aren’t working. Remember, it’s not just about your own visibility, but also ensuring other drivers can see you. So in addition to headlights and high-beams, don’t forget the tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, running lights — you get the idea.
Emergency Preparedness
Hopefully you don’t ever need it, but a well-stocked emergency kit can literally be a lifesaver. Some items you should have in your kit are important in any season — a first aid kit, tire inflator, jumper cables (or a battery-powered jump starter), reflective road triangles or flares, flashlight, a phone charger — but for winter you want to make sure you’re extra prepared for cold weather. Toss in some blankets or sleeping bags to make sure you can stay warm in the unlikely event you have to spend an extended stay on the side of the road.
Driver Safety
For an easy safety assist, a radar detector can provide an additional check on your speed by alerting you to upcoming speed traps. And while we certainly hope you avoid fender benders or other accidents over the holidays, a dash camera can automatically document any incidents should they occur, helping in dispute resolution or to provide proof of fault.
Comfort
Remote Start
A remote start system is useful any time of year, but especially so in winter. It allows you to warm up your interior before you get into your car, so you don’t spend the first 10 minutes of your drive with your hands shivering and your teeth chattering as you wait for the heater. Pre-heating your vehicle also means you can defrost it before you get in, which isn’t just a huge convenience, it also improves visibility for a safer start to your drive.
Heated Seats
A seat heater is one of those things you may not think you need — until you experience it. If you don’t have heated seats in your vehicle but have used them in a friend’s or family member’s, you know what we’re talking about. They heat up much faster than the cabin air heater and provide direct warmth to your body. Thanks to after-market seat heaters, we can convert your non-heated front seats into heated ones, without changing how they look and feel.
Ceramic Coating
Protecting your exterior with a high-quality ceramic coating won’t exactly increase your comfort now, but could help you avoid costly repairs later! A ceramic coat is the best way to guard your paint against the elements and grime of winter roads, so that your vehicle can emerge from the season still looking like new.
Entertainment
Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
No road trip is complete without the right playlist or podcasts. After-market media receivers make it easy to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your vehicle, letting you access your favorite music apps right from your dash. Not only does this up your in-car entertainment game, but it also improves safety by giving you a large, easy-to-see display for navigation.
When it comes to after-market Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Don’t worry: we put together a list of the top 5 car media receivers to help you sort through all the different sizes and features to easily find the right receiver for you.
Car Audio
Along with a new receiver, upgrading your sound system will make any road trip more enjoyable. Check out our broad selection of top-brand speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers to transform your cabin into a personal concert hall.
The Road Ahead
Cold-weather driving is not without its challenges, but with the right equipment and preparation, your winter road trip can be safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. Have questions? We’re here to help. Visit your local Car Toys or Contact us today to learn more about our winter-ready vehicle upgrades.
