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When winter hits in Canada, it doesn’t just knock politely – it kicks open the door with howling winds, snow-covered roads, and bone-chilling cold. Fear not, as we can help you prepare for the frigid nightmare ahead. With the right winter car accessories, you can turn your ride from a cold metal box into a, uhm, cozy metal box — and one that’s ready to take on anything winter throws (and blows) your way. So here are some of the best winter car accessories to make the season a little bit more bearable.
1. Winter Tires
Trying to make it through a Canadian winter without winter tires is not only ill-advised but downright dangerous. Winter tires are easily the unsung heroes of the season, made from softer rubber that handles freezing temperatures like a pro. Their deep treads grip snow and ice giving you the confidence you need to navigate icy roads safely. So don’t skimp on paying to get these swapped before winter sets in.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait for that first snowflake to fall. As soon as the temperature dips below 7°C consistently, it’s time to make the switch.
Top Pick: Michelin X-Ice Xi3 Winter Tires: While there are many solid options out there, these tires offer excellent traction and durability, ensuring your car can handle even the iciest and slushiest roads with ease.
Where to buy: Amazon | Blackcircles | Canadian Tire
2. Remote Car Starter
We’ve all been there: It’s -30°C outside, and you’re in your car waiting for it to go from feeling like an icebox to something less like that. Well, with a remote car starter, you can warm things up from the comfort of your home, making those early morning commutes a little less frigid. And a lot of newer models work with your smartphone, so you can fire up the car from pretty much anywhere.
Heads up: While it’s tempting to leave your car idling forever, be mindful of local idling regulations and the impact on the environment. A little moderation goes a long way.
Top Pick: Compustar CS7900-AS All-in-One Remote Start and Security System: With a range of up to 3,000 feet, you can start your car from just about anywhere. An added bonus is that it doubles as a security system.
Where to buy: Amazon
3. Heated Seat Covers
Is there anything better than sinking into a warm seat on a freezing winter day? Okay, sure, a beach vacation or anything in a warmer place at all really, but this piece is about winter so, you know, let’s just move on. Your car doesn’t come with built-in heated seats? No worries! Heated seat covers are affordable, easy to install, and bring serious comfort to your daily drive.
Top Pick: Sojoy Universal 12V Heated Seat Cover: With three different heat settings, this cover will keep you toasty on even the coldest mornings.
Where to buy: Walmart
4. Winter Windshield Wipers
Standard wipers just don’t cut it in the winter. They tend to freeze up or struggle to clear ice and snow. That’s where winter-specific wipers come in – they’re designed with durable, flexible rubber that can handle the cold and keep your windshield clear.
Bonus Tip: Pair those wipers with winter-grade washer fluid to keep your windshield ice-free. The winter type has a much lower freezing point and includes cleaning agents that can deal with the toughest salt and grit.
Top Pick: Bosch ICON 26A Wiper Blades – These wipers are built to withstand winter’s worst, helping you see clearly and stay safe on the road.
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart | Canadian Tire
5. Snow Brush and Ice Scraper
We all live the Canadian winter morning ritual: grabbing a snow brush and scraper to clear off the car after a heavy snowfall. A quality brush and scraper make the job quicker and less painless, and more importantly, they help you avoid driving with dangerous snow piles on your roof.
Top Pick: Mallory 532 Ice Scraper and Snow Brush Combo: With an extendable handle and foam grip, this tool makes clearing snow and ice a breeze, even when your car is buried.
Where to buy: Amazon | Walmart | Canadian Tire | Auto Zone
6. Emergency Winter Car Kit
Assuming everything will be fine is a great philosophy and all, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare for the worst. An emergency winter car kit should be a staple in every Canadian’s vehicle. Stock it with essentials like jumper cables, a flashlight, a thermal blanket, snacks, and a small shovel. You may never need it, but you’ll be thankful you have it.
Top Pick: Canadian Tire Roadside Emergency Kit: It’s packed with everything you need to get through a roadside emergency, from flares to first-aid supplies. Plus, it’s compact enough to keep in your trunk all winter.
Where to buy: Canadian Tire
7. Car Battery Warmer
When temperatures plunge, your car’s battery can lose power quickly, making those early-morning starts even tougher. A battery warmer is a simple but effective solution – it wraps around your battery and keeps it warm, ensuring that you can start your car even when it’s bitterly cold outside.
Top Pick: Kat’s 22200 Battery Heating Pad: This pad keeps your battery warm in temperatures as low as -34°C, meaning you’ll never be left stranded in the cold.
Where to buy: Amazon | NAPA | Auto Zone
8. Heated Steering Wheel Cover
Why should your hands suffer while your seats are nice and toasty? A heated steering wheel cover solves that problem, giving you a warm grip during those freezing morning drives. It’s a small touch, but it makes a big difference.
Top Pick: SEG Direct Heated Steering Wheel Cover: This cover heats up quickly and installs easily, making sure your hands stay warm no matter how cold it gets.
Where to buy: Amazon
9. Tire Pressure Gauge
Winter’s ridiculously low temperatures can cause your tire pressure to drop, which isn’t just bad for fuel efficiency – it’s dangerous. Keeping a tire pressure gauge handy is an easy way to ensure your tires are properly inflated, which helps with traction and overall safety on icy roads.
Top Pick: AstroAI Digital Tire Pressure Gauge: This gauge is accurate, easy to use, and small enough to keep in your glove compartment. It’s an essential tool for winter driving.
Where to buy: AstroAI | Amazon
10. Winter Floor Mats
Winter brings slush, snow, and salt into your car, and that can do a number on your interior and even your clothes. Heavy-duty winter floor mats are a simple yet effective way to protect your car’s carpeting from the elements. They trap dirt and water, making clean-up a whole lot easier.
Top Pick: WeatherTech All-Weather Floor Mats: These mats are built to handle whatever winter throws at them, keeping your car’s floors dry and protected.
Where to buy: Amazon | Canadian Tire
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