Get your car road-ready with these 10 items this winter
You’re already thinking of winterizing your vehicle – now’s the time to evaluate whether there’s one accessory or another that would keep your wheels better equipped to handle the challenges of the road.
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For many people, even in this age of work from home, your vehicle is an essential part of your life. Doesn’t it make sense that it has everything you need for most eventualities, from minor maintenance to battling the seasons, should be right in there before you hit the road?
We’ve already put together a guide for what you should have in your vehicle emergency kit (and, if you’re an aspiring home mechanic, a DIY winter tire changeover gear checklist). Now, here are 10 items we recommend for your vehicle as the winter approaches.
Vehicle Trunk Organizer
Amazon.ca
Begin at the beginning, as they say, which to us, means knowing where all your things are. Keep them neat and organized with this proper trunk organizer. Its multiple pockets and compartments should hold most of what you need and cut down on the clutter, and it also includes a waterproof lining. Just anchor it where you need it, and you’re golden.
What we liked about it:
Easy way to keep your trunk organized without having to fumble for things
Collapsible and adjustable to fit any trunk
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Telescopic Snow Brush
Canadian Tire
In almost all of Canada, there’s just no escaping the need for a good snowbrush, preferably with a proper ice scraper included. That two-in-one combo is pretty standard, and we like this offering from Garant the best, a combination of a good price point, a non-scratch foam head, good comfort grip, and other bells and whistles that make it a good buy.
What we liked about it:
Not only telescopic, but also two-sided
Polycarbonate scraper should help with most ice
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on CanadianTire.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Windshield Spray De-Icer
Amazon.ca
In the same realm of inevitability: Frost season will find you eventually, and one of the most excruciating things about it is having to scrape off your windshield before sunrise when it’s below zero and you’re already late for work. A de-icing spray like this one, specifically made for windshields, will take the edge off that ordeal, making scraping much easier
What we liked about it:
Does not impact car finish
Two pack. Can also be purchased individually or in a case of 12
Rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Windshield Cover
Amazon.ca
Another way of avoiding having to scrape the frost is to cover up your windshield first. There are a lot of windshield covers out there that purport to do the job, and we picked this option not only due to its good reviews, but because it includes mirror guards as well, something we found curiously lacking in other windshield guard kits.
What we liked about it:
Comes in standard or XL sizes, fitting most vehicles
Built-in anti-theft security panels
Rated 4.6 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Winter Work Gloves
Amazon.ca
This one’s from the car maintenance category. If you have to change a tire or top up your oil, that can be a dirty job – you don’t want to ruin your regular gloves or do it bare-handed in wintertime. Mechanic’s work gloves are abundant online, but can be a bit too bulky in most cases, which is why we picked these ones: fleece-lined with a great PVC grip, they’ll be good enough for more finessed tasks while still keeping your digits warm.
What we liked about it:
Less bulky than other varieties on offer
Five sizes available
Rated 4.2 out 5 on Amazon.ca
Oil Funnel
Amazon.ca
This is kind of one of those things that make your life as a vehicle owner so much easier, but which doesn’t occur to a lot of people. At some point between oil changes, you’ll have to top up your oil, which not only is a dirty job, you run the risk of spillage. A simple, inexpensive funnel will save you the hassle.
What we liked about it:
Hand holds improve grip
Includes built-in splash guard
Rated 4.7 out 5 on Amazon.ca
Windshield washer fluid
Canadian Tire
This is kind of one of those things that make your life as a vehicle owner so much easier, but which doesn’t occur to a lot of people. At some point between oil changes, you’ll have to top up your oil, which not only is a dirty job, you run the risk of spillage. A simple, inexpensive funnel will save you the hassle.
What we liked about it:
Hand holds improve grip
Includes built-in splash guard
Rated 4.7 out 5 on Amazon.ca
Tire pressure gauge
Amazon.ca
Properly inflated tires have better grip and fuel efficiency, so it’s a good idea to check in on them every now and again between tire changes. There are, of course, digital tire gauges available (here’s one such if you’re interested), but I personally think the normal analog variety works just fine – aside from its simplicity, it’s also inexpensive and doesn’t break down or need recharging!
What we liked about it:
Comes with four replacement stem caps in case you misplace one
Two pack, so you can share with your partner
Rated 4.2 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
WD-40 (single can)
Amazon.ca
As the saying goes: if it moves when you want it to stick, use duct tape, and if it sticks when you want it to move, use WD-40. And aside from its unsticking powers, WD-40 is of course also effective at combatting corrosion and driving out moisture in places you don’t want it, like electrical systems. There’s more than one reason you might need it while tending to your car, so why not keep a can handy?
What we liked about it:
Famously effective lubricant
Can also remove grease, grime, and other sticky residue from multiple surfaces
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Leatherman Multitool
Amazon.ca
Whether you keep it in your vehicle, or prefer to keep it around the house for small jobs, a good multitool is a must-have, and of those available, there’s good reason Leatherman is so well known. I’ve had one since I was a teenager, and half the people I know own one. It’s worth the buy, particularly this premium model, which includes a couple of extras like proper wire cutters.
What we liked about it:
Includes 18 tools, from scissors and pliers, to a bottle opener
Manufacturer offers a 25-year warranty
Rated 4.7 out of 5 on Amazon.ca
Like what you see? Check out our Shop the Weather articles for more must-have product recommendations.
Our trusted Product Specialists recommend high-quality items that we think will enhance your experience with Canadian weather conditions. Prices and availability of items are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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