Making your winter car checklist is crucial, especially if you live in a Minnesota city like Rochester, Stewartville, Winona, or any other city prone to harsh winter conditions. Do you know what should be in a winter car kit? If you don’t know where to start, Tom Kadlec Kia can help. We have answers to a lot of commonly asked questions, such as “what should I keep in my car glovebox?” If this is your first time getting a vehicle ready for winter, here are our picks for the best, must-have car accessories for winter driving.
Winter Accessories for Your Vehicle
When you’re purchasing a vehicle, consider what kinds of options and accessories are important. At Tom Kadlec Kia, we take the time to learn what you want and need to ensure you’re buying a vehicle configured just for you. Here are some options to consider to keep yourself safe when it’s snowing and icy on the roads:
Choose the Right Tires
Before you start picking out the best car accessories for winter, start by making sure your vehicle is safe. When you’re choosing tires for your vehicle, you want to make sure they fit your needs. Start by looking at the type of driving you do most on average. Is it city driving, highway driving, or are you on unpaved roads a lot?
Consider your budget, too. Many people opt for a set of all-weather tires rather than separate summer tires and winter tires just because it saves money. However, if you live in harsh winter conditions and drive in areas with heavy snowfall, winter tires are still a better choice. Winter tires have increased traction on icy roads and can reduce the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Remote Starter
If available, choose a vehicle with a remote start. With this feature, you can start your vehicle from up to 500 feet away and get it to the perfect temperature inside. Not only will it warm your car up in the winter, but a remote starter will also cool down your vehicle during the hot summer months.
Pick All-Weather Mats
All-weather mats are a great winter accessory for your vehicle. Keeping your vehicle’s carpets clean can be a challenge any time of the year, especially in the winter. All-weather mats are designed to protect your interior. They are waterproof and durable and have deep grooves that trap dirt, water, and road salt. They also have anti-skid bottoms to ensure the mats won’t move around in your vehicle.
Insert Custom Cargo Trays
Just as you protect your vehicle’s carpets, you can protect the rest of your vehicle with custom size cargo trays. Like all-weather floor mats, custom cargo trays are waterproof and designed to keep your cargo area clean and free from dirt, spills, and other debris. When you buy official Kia ones, they will be custom fitted to your vehicle.
Items to Keep on Your Winter Car Checklist
It can be helpful to have a checklist of everything you need in your vehicle before winter arrives. Maintaining a working checklist means it’s a breeze to move everything into your vehicle before the first snowfall. Here’s a look at some of the must-have gadgets and tools for your vehicle this winter:
Snow and Ice Scraper
One important winter accessory for your vehicle is a snow and ice scraper. It’s one of the most used tools during inclement weather. This tool allows you to clean off your windows and lights with little effort before you start driving. Opt for one with a telescoping arm to save space.
Car Shovel
Shovels are always helpful in the winter, but choosing one for your vehicle takes some shopping around. You may be able to save money and space in your trunk by opting for a small shovel, but lower-quality ones are likely to break after one or two uses. You need a shovel that’s strong enough to dig you out if you’re stuck on a snow-covered road.
Warm Blanket
Although a blanket is one of the bulkier items to keep in your car, it’s definitely worth it in the winter. If your car breaks down or you have to wait out a storm, you’ll want to stay as warm as possible. If space is an issue, consider a pocket-sized heat reflective blanket. You should always have a set of mittens and a warm hat in your glove box, too.
Cat Litter
Keeping cat litter in your vehicle may sound strange, especially if you don’t own a cat. However, cat litter can help out in a few different ways. You can use the cat litter to pour around the ground if your tires are stuck in ice, snow, or slush. It can help your tires get the traction they need to become unstuck. Also, the weight of the litter bag is great if you own a rear-wheel-drive car. The extra weight in the back can help you maintain better traction on slippery roads.
First Aid Kit
You should always have a first aid kit in your vehicle, not just during winter. You never know when you’ll have an emergency. You should have a basic kit with bandages, scissors, adhesive tape, gauze, antibiotic ointment, etc. If you regularly take any medication, it’s also wise to include a small supply of it in your car if you’re stuck for hours or even overnight.
Flashlight and Hazard Triangles
A flashlight and hazard triangles are also items that should be in your vehicle year-round. You can use them to see once the sun goes down, but they can also be useful tools for signaling other drivers.
Jumper Cables
Dropping temperatures can impact your vehicle’s battery power, since cold weather puts a strain on car batteries. If you find yourself with a dead battery, you’ll need jumper cables to jumpstart your vehicle.
Choosing the right winter car accessories for your vehicle can help keep you safe in an emergency. Routine maintenance and tuneups are also important aspects of winterizing your vehicle. It’s best if you get your brakes checked, oil changed, filters replaced, and other routine maintenance performed at regular intervals. These are all vital steps to keeping your car running the best it can every winter.
Buy Winter Kia Accessories in Rochester, MN
Contact Tom Kadlec Kia online or at 507-215-8923 for all of your Kia service, parts, and accessories needs. If you’re considering buying a new vehicle soon, we invite you to come down to our showroom and see our current selection of vehicles. We can help you get into the right car for all your driving needs, no matter the season.
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