7 Winter must-have accessories

Winter can be a trying time for all drivers. Nobody wants to deal with weather that can bring ice, sleet and snow on the roads. Being prepared for winter conditions is the sure way to get through it. Having the right winter accessories without having to improvise will give you confidence that you can handle any situation.

1. Get a heated ice scraper so you’re not trying to chip off the ice on the exterior of your car. We’ve all seen other drivers using the handle trying to crack ice off the windshield. Keep an extra one in the house to make things easier for you.

2. Pair your ice scraper with a wide snow brush. This will sweep off snow on the windows, roof, hood and rest of the car much faster. You don’t want to be spending a long time in the cold freezing your hands. Invest in a quality snow brush that won’t scratch the surface of your car.

3.  Get the correct windshield wipers for your car. Winter weather is tougher than the summer. You don’t want the wipers to crack from the ice and cold. Don’t force frozen blades to try and clean the frozen windshield. Pair this with a windshield washer fluid with a deicer, which will help you get to and from safely. We’ve all seen the drivers trying to peer out of a small defrosted area on the road.

4. The roads can be hard to drive on during the winter after a big snowfall, which can leave you stuck. You don’t need to be stranded waiting for help if you’re prepared with a shovel on hand. There are even collapsible shovels to create more space if needed. You never know when you’ll get snowed into a spot or drive off an icy road.

5. It can be extremely cold in parts of Canada overnight. Your engine may not even start at the beginning of the day. Buying quality jumper cables are worth it in the long run. You never know during the coldest times of the year when your car might fail you.

6. Nobody wants to go outside in the frigid cold to start up an ice cold car. Add wind and snow, which will make anyone procrastinate getting outside. A remote starter can help you start up your vehicle while you’re drinking your first cup of coffee. Defrost and warm up your car in the comfort of your own home.

7. Not everyone has a garage to protect their car from the winter weather. Enjoy comfort and heat using heated seat covers. These are great for older people and those who feel the chill fast. There are many quality seat warmers that fit every budget.

It doesn’t need to be stressful to prepare your car with these winter accessories. Setting up your car for different seasons of the year will only help you and your passengers. You can find car accessories on Kijiji, retail stores and online.