7 Car Features That Make Winter Driving More Comfortable
The options and accessories that add convenience, comfort, and safety
More cars are offering winter-friendly features than ever before, even on less expensive models. Often, several of these features are bundled in a cold-weather package, so they can be difficult to order à la carte. Some of them are just for convenience, but many will keep you safer by aiding comfort and visibility.
If you expect to drive in cold regions, consider these conveniences when shopping for a car.
Best Auto Products of the Year
Car Batteries • Car Tires • SUV and Truck Tires • Winter/Snow Tires • Infant Car Seats
Choosing the Right Tires
Changing your all-season tires for winter/snow tires will provide the best available grip in foul winter weather and at sub-freezing temperatures. They may not bring comfort in the strictest sense, but having the right tires can make driving safer. These specialized tires offer optimal grip for stopping, accelerating, and navigating sharp turns on snow or icy roads. However, this replacement strategy incurs expense and inconvenience: Changing tires every winter means purchasing another set of tires, and likely new wheels. Further, winter/snow tires don’t last as long as all-seasons, and they typically compromise grip on dry and wet roads.
To be clear: If you live in the snow belt and face harsh winter driving conditions, winter/snow tires are your best bet. But if you have the ability to wait until roads are cleared before traveling, there are some great choices in each all-season tire category for winter grip.
In particular, there are all-weather tires—enhanced all-season tires, with greater cold-weather capability. These split the difference between all-seasons and winter/snow tires, with the benefit of not needing to be removed come spring.
