We may be slightly biased but wholeheartedly believe that Midwest drivers are the BEST drivers ever. Probably because we have to know how to handle our car in pretty much every possible weather condition. Of course, finding a vehicle that can handle winter is more than just checking the tire tread and making sure there’s room for your survival kit in the trunk. Look for these 6ish (we’ve combined a few!) features with your next vehicle purchase and kick your winter driving confidence up a notch.
Remote Start: This is a gimmie, right? The ability to start your car and have it warmed up before you leave the house tops the wish list for nearly every Midwesterner. Do your homework though! If the remote start is factory installed it’s designed to function properly with your vehicle. However, some models do just what they say. Remotely start the car. That’s it! If your remote start is an aftermarket purchase and installed somewhere else you’ll want to consider options that allow for your heated seats and defrosters to turn on with the vehicle. Don’t forget to upgrade and include keyless entry so you don’t have to turn your vehicle off to unlock it. Chevy, Buick, and GMC models offer an app that lets you remote start and more from your smartphone!
Heated Seats/Steering Wheel: These options are more about comfort than safety but hey, a comfortable driver is more alert behind the wheel. That’s our spin and we’re sticking to it! The heated seats feature can be found for both Driver and front passenger or available to all seats depending on the make/model of the vehicle. Once you have it, you’ll never want to live without it. Plus it’s an important option for the resale value of your car. Heated steering wheels are becoming more common too. They use an electric current to keep the wheel and your fingers toasty. Glove free means a better grip so we’ll call this a safety feature too!
Winter Tires: Not everyone has the budget or the storage space for a spare set of tires. If you do…modern snow tires are the way to go! They use a combo of tread patterns and special rubber, designed to stay soft at cold temperatures. Helping to maintain traction on ice and snow throughout the winter months. However, if you’d prefer wheels that you can leave on your car all year long, high quality all-season tires are the next best thing for your vehicle’s traction control. Either way, be sure to check with our Service Department for tire specials. They’ll make sure the best tires for your vehicle are in stock and ready to roll.
Heated Mirrors/Windshield Wipers: Here’s a feature you probably already have and might not even know about! Much like your rear defrost, heated mirrors use a heating element to keep outside mirrors free from fog and ice. This option is common on most newer makes/models and eliminates the icy build-up that often occurs when in transit! Another great option…heated windshield wipers. Yes, that’s a thing! There’s nothing worse than hitting the road after clearing your car of snow and ice only to have ice build-up on the wipers while you’re driving. It’s dangerous and a hassle to boot. Heated wiper blades use heating elements and a temperature sensor to automatically help melt the ice off your windshield as they swipe back and forth. No more de-icing your blades at stoplights!
Stability Control: Most cars have anti-lock brakes and traction control these days. Stability control is taking it to the next level! Traction control simply monitors driven wheels to ensure that they’re not slipping. Stability control sensors detect sideways motion so the system kicks in when a driver starts sliding and sets you straight! Don’t forget, if you DO get stuck, turn that traction control off. It’s designed to prevent wheels from spinning and unlikely to send power to wheels you know are buried in the snow or spinning on ice.
AWD: If you’re hitting the less-plowed country roads in the Greater Rockford Area you’ll come to rely on this feature. The system is built to deliver or cut power to each wheel, improving your traction and stability. Some are even designed to transfer power to the wheel with the most traction. Right to left and front to back. The feature certainly helps you accelerate and maintain control when driving but it does not provide braking assistance. Yep, even with AWD you need to take it easy and brake slowly. You’ll find AWD on many types of vehicles from compacts to SUVs and full-size trucks. Your Lou Bachrodt Sales Specialist can point you to vehicles on the lot that have this important winter feature.
Life doesn’t stop because it snowed and like it or not the snow will come. Truth is, the best winter survival kit is one that doesn’t get used. New or pre-owned, when you’re shopping for your next vehicle look for a car, truck, or SUV with these features to keep your family safe all year long.
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