Frigid winter weather can often make driving unpleasant. Fortunately, technology is helping make driving more bearable when cold and ice hit the scene. Many cars are available with some or all of the advancements below. Others may want to think about these features when purchasing their next vehicle. 

Heated Seats and Wheel

These features are especially desirable for vehicles with leather upholstery. The real beauty of heated seats and a steering wheel is they warm quickly, sometimes even before the car’s heat starts to flow. Most heated seats have a high to low heat setting. Others are equipped with a single on/off mode. 

ABS/Antilock Brakes

Antilock brakes help stop wheels from locking and skidding. The primary purpose of the antilock system is to maintain the car’s control while braking on slippery surfaces. In addition ABS will shorten stopping distance and allow better steering at a panic stop.

Electric Stability System

Often a companion to ABS, the Electronic Stability System is an ideal safety component. The system is capable of sensing the direction, speed, and adjusting the throttle and brakes to help prevent loss of control.

Remote Start

If your vehicle does not include heated wipers and washers, wiper fluid is less likely to freeze with a warm engine. With some of the more advanced remote start systems, the heat and defroster will automatically turn on.

There is no need to scrape ice! Remote starters have been praised by many. The idea of not stepping into a cold car when temperatures are freezing is what attracts many this magnificent piece of technology.

Heated Side Mirrors

Heated side mirrors are found in most new models. They eliminate snow build up, melt ice and clear fog. In many vehicles you can turn on the heated mirrors by activating the defroster. Other vehicles allow you to do so with a separate button designed specifically to heat the side mirrors.

Heated Wipers and Washers

A wiper de-icer, also known as heated wiper,allows frozen wipers to free from the glass. Blades can then fully make contact with the windshield along with their full arc. Some cars make it possible for heated wipers to work automatically when the cold is sensed. Nozzles and reservoirs are also sometimes heated to keep fluid from freezing.

Winter Transmission Modes

Automatic transmissions sometimes have winter modes. Winter transmission modes function so that when accelerating, the modes will help prevent slippage. This will occur regardless if the traction control is on or off.  To achieve winter modes, the vehicle accelerates in second gear and then quickly up-shifts through higher gears. Unless the engine is revving fast at the drive wheels, higher gears diminish torque. With less force, there will be less slippage.

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When unexpected emergencies occur on the road, we often panic and our thoughts are unclear as we frantically ponder what to do.  The best thing to do is try to remain calm and act quickly on a temporary solution that will ensure safety for the time being. Listed below are a variety of possible emergency situations you may find yourself in while driving. Hopefully, you are fortunate enough to never experience any. However, in the event you do, use these tips as a guideline to help get you through your crisis.

Vehicle Breakdown. Although quite common, actions taken with a breakdown will vary depending on the circumstance. First thing you need to remember is that you must allow other drivers to see your vehicle has broken down and that you need immediate road assistance. If possible, get your car off the pavement! Removing your car from the road reduces the chances of another vehicle hitting you. Also, make sure to turn on your hazards. If it is dark, turn on your interior light as well. You should also raise the hood so that other drivers see you are in need of assistance. If you were able to remove the car off the road safely, lock the doors and remain in the car until help arrives. Roaming on the side of the road is not only unwise but dangerous. Due to safety issues, only get out of the car if there is poor visibility. Exit through the passenger’s side and stay away from traffic.

Tire Blowout.  Having a tire blowout is probably most common next to a breakdown. In the event you do have one, squeeze the gas pedal and direct the car straight. This will put you in control of the car and prevent you from braking and turning. Delicately release the accelerator pedal after a few seconds. Pushing the gas will not let the vehicle go faster because the drag force of the tire is strong enough. 

Keep your feet away from the brake (or clutch) and drive straight down the lane. Let the car go down to a safe speed –at least 30 mph.  Put your turn signal on and gently make your way toward the shoulder of the road that’s on the same side as the blown tire. This will allow for a safer tire change and lessen the chance for losing control.  Keep in mind that driving with an underinflated tire will increase the chances of a blowout. Always remember to routinely check your tire pressure. 

Vehicle Catches Fire. A vehicle catching fire could result from numerous incidents such as leakage in the fuel system or faults in the electrical system. If you see smoke or flames while driving, pull over immediately and steer away from traffic. Once pulled over turn off the ignition and quickly get out along with your passengers and move far away from the vehicle! In the event it is a small fire and you are brave enough you use an extinguisher, make sure your hands are protected with a rag or gloves when you go to open the hood. Spray the extinguisher directly on the fire. Keep in mind that water doesn’t work on fuels or oil. Your best bet is to get far away from the vehicle and wait for help to arrive.

Going into Water. Upon hitting water, your vehicle will still float a bit before it stalls and sinks. Aim to get out quickly through the window. If the doors open water will rush in and the car may turn over on top of you. If you are unable to get out and the vehicle starts to sink, wait until pressure equalizes before opening a door or window. Air pockets will likely form in the backseat so get back there and kick out that window. As you rise, air pressure will start to build up in your lungs. In small breaths let the air out through your nose or mouth as you begin to surface. Don’t hold your breath tightly or blow out air. Instead let the air escape naturally.