When it comes to Canadian winters, there are some things that you absolutely need to have in your car or truck. Especially if you’re going to be driving in bad weather or leaving downtown in a major city. Don’t worry, though, NAPA Canada is here to help you out with the must-have winter car accessories you need to keep in your ride.
Must-Have Winter Car Accessories
Telescoping Snow Brush
Unless you live in Vancouver (or on some parts of Vancouver Island), you need a snow brush. It’s not an option. Most drivers already have a small brush, but we’re going to change your entire world. A telescoping snow brush makes cleaning snow from your car a whole new world. Clean from side to side with one swipe instead of walking around! Clean the top of your pickup or SUV without a ladder!
The only downside is that the wide brush gets in the way of the ice scraper. So get a stand-alone ice scraper to keep beside the brush.
Windshield Cover
What if you didn’t have to scrape your windshield at all? A windshield cover like this makes it happen. The cover is held in place by your car doors and helps prevent ice, snow, and even frost from touching your glass. Pull the cover off in the morning and you’re ready to go. After you brush the roof and back glass, that is.
De-Icer Windshield Washer Fluid
Most winter washer fluids do fine well into freezing temperatures. But for ice and severe cold, you need something better. This de-icer fluid melts ice on your frozen glass. It also resists freezing all the way down to -45 °C. So it won’t re-freeze on your glass or solidify in your lines on the worst of days. If that’s not enough, spray de-icer fluid can melt the heaviest ice without the need to run your wipers.
Salty roads and winter driving can drink washer fluid in a hurry. Keep a container in your trunk so you’re not stuck when you run out.
Winter Floor Mats
Carpet floor mats absorb water. So when you bring snow inside your car and that snow melts, it saturates the mats. They then freeze into thin bricks of ice and re-melt, soaking your carpets and potentially causing rust, corrosion, and dirty pant cuffs. Winter mats are made of rubber, with raised edges that trap water inside so you can dump out that melted snow. Deep grooves keep the water off of your pant cuffs, keeping you clean and dry. And they give you better traction so your foot doesn’t slide off the brake pedal at the worst possible time.
Booster Pack
A portable jump starter, like this one from Booster Pac, can save you from a long cold wait if your car’s battery couldn’t survive the winter. The packs have enough juice to start your car a few times if the main battery has died, saving you a wait for roadside assistance. You’ll need to keep the pack charged though, so if you’re forgetful (and stay in more populated areas), a set of jumper cables might be a better idea.
Emergency Kit
An emergency kit that includes things like a first aid kit, some emergency candles, and a foil blanket is a great idea for a winter breakdown. Other items you’re going to want are emergency road flares to help make sure your vehicle is visible at the side of a dark road.
Shovel
If you have the space, a full-sized snow shovel is a must-have for winter. It’ll help if you get stuck, but it can also help you dig out of a plowed-in parking space at the end of a long day. If you don’t have room for a big shovel, a compact shovel or a folding shovel are both great space savers that still do the job.
Gloves
What’s the point of a glove compartment if you don’t have gloves in it? Almost anything you need to do to your vehicle in the winter, from brushing off snow to changing a tire to boosting a battery is nearly impossible with cold fingers. Keep a pair of mechanic’s gloves for the intricate work and a pair of winter mitts to help you stay warm if you have a long wait. Your fingers will thank you.
Car Cover
You won’t need it if you have a garage or a carport, but a car cover is a great way to keep ice, frost, and snow off of your car. Just pull off the cover and you have a clean ride! Make sure you get a winter-rated cover, though—thinner summer covers are more fragile and won’t survive the season.
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