7 Best Winter Car Accessories

As the season for frigid temperatures in the Cincinnati, Ohio, area approaches, it’s the optimal time to acquire winter car accessories. Have you thought about what you’ll need? Weather-appropriate preparations are important for road trips, daily commuting, and regular maintenance. Driving during the winter can be challenging if you aren’t equipped with certain car tools. Take note of this list of the seven best winter car accessories.

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Windshield Snow Cover

Do you park your vehicle outside of a garage or away from covered parking? If so, it’ll be covered with ice and hard blocks of snow during the Ohio winter months. Minimize the time spent clearing snow and ice from your windshield on frosty, busy mornings with a windshield snow cover. Simply drape your car with one before inclement weather hits.

A thick, durable cover acts like a blanket for your vehicle. It has a thermal barrier that locks in heat and eliminates dew and frost on your windshield. Prevent slush and other vision-blocking debris from accumulating when you’re set and ready to depart. Typically, the parts department at your local car dealership has windshield snow covers in stock.

Snow Brush With Ice Scraper

An alternate accessory to the windshield cover is a snow brush with a detachable ice scraper. Brush off the snow formed on your windshield, and then use the scraper to get rid of any ice that has been left behind. When your car is exposed to below-freezing elements, it’s susceptible to icy windshield conditions. This makes it very difficult to see without properly defrosting the windshield. The brush and scraper set also helps to protect your wiper blades from being damaged by constant use on frozen windshields.

Engine Block Heater

Do you want to avoid waiting 15-20 minutes for your automobile to get warm? An engine block heater will warm up your car’s engine compartment in just a few minutes. The device also heats up your oil and antifreeze fluids. Because all engine block heaters aren’t the same, it’s best to purchase one from your local service department. Their technicians can walk you through the safe way to install and operate it. The heater has other advantages, such as reducing general engine wear and tear, increasing fuel efficiency, and lowering emissions.

Remote Start System

Another accessory to warm up your car comes in the form of a remote start system. One type is the installed feature that’s linked to your key fob. It allows you to start your car from approximately 30 feet away, such as while you’re in your home or a parking lot. Your automobile doors remain locked while your engine and heating system run idly for 10 minutes. If you don’t fully start your vehicle within that time frame, it’ll shut off.

There is another type of remote start system that you can buy if you don’t have a vehicle with this feature, which became available in the early 2000s. A qualified service professional can install the system module that will connect to your car’s existing wires. They’re generally placed in your glove compartment or another area away from a heat source.

Winter Emergency Kit

You may already keep an emergency kit of some kind in your car at all times. First aid supplies, a car jack, jumper cables, a lug wrench, and more are great to have on hand. However, stay ready for a winter emergency by packing some additional items: a flashlight, small shovel, thick blankets, gloves, bottled water, and snacks. The incredulous news stories about drivers being stuck on a long stretch of the highway due to an accident or bad weather conditions are all too true. Be prepared to deal with a possible winter catastrophe or “snowpocalypse.”

Cargo Rack or Carrier

Are you an avid skier or snowboarder? If so, you must have a roof rack or rear carrier to store your gear safely. This frees up your car’s interior cargo space and prevents damage to that pricey equipment. Don’t allow luggage and other traveling valuables to take up square footage or be compromised. Attach a sturdy rack or carrier box to the back or roof of your vehicle. You can buy one that’s aesthetically pleasing and perfect for snowy mountain trips, long drives to winter cabins, or year-round use.

Rubber Floor Mats

All Season Floor Mats via Honda.com

Along with the treacherous Ohio winter weather comes snow, mud, ice, and salt. Try to keep your car’s floorboards relatively clean by obtaining rubber floor mats. When you exit and enter your automobile, you’ll inevitably bring in the muck from the outside foot traffic. Parking areas, sidewalks, and roads are generally covered in salt and snow during the wintry season.

That excess moisture and its safety counterpart will wreak havoc in your car. Think of the corrosion to the metal flooring, whether it’s under carpeting or another material. If you decide to resell your vehicle or trade it in, the value can decline due to stained floor mats. The rubber mats are easy to remove, rinse, and replace in your car for the next use.

When shopping for the best winter car accessories, remember your essential needs and personal budget. Are you planning several wintry road trips? Will your daily commute include travel at night? You can’t go wrong with original equipment manufacturer parts. These parts and accessories are designed specifically for your car and ensure high-quality performance. This will limit costs for materials and possible future repairs.

What do you think about this list of the seven best winter car accessories? We hope you’re pleased. Our team in the parts center at Performance Kings Honda is happy to serve you and the Cincinnati community. The reliable inventory that we have in our fully stocked center is available to meet your needs. With an expert staff and a highly professional service team, we can assist you with any questions and concerns. Call our service and parts department at (513) 791-9090 today to get you prepped for the winter season.