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.
Remote start: Like a remote control for your car, these devices let you start your car’s engine from inside your home or office to warm up the cabin in advance. Certain newer vehicles can remote start via smartphone. Some states have enacted legislation to minimize vehicle idling, including Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Texas, and Vermont.
Heated seats: Seating surfaces can warm you faster than your car’s heater can warm the cabin air. Certain luxury cars, such as the BMW 5 and 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S- and E-Class, have heated armrests and door trims as well. A few years ago you had to spring for leather upholstery to get heated seats, but many automakers now offer the option with cloth upholstery.
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