The holidays may be billed as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many of us, they’re a grueling test of patience. There’s the shopping, the decorating, the overbooked calendar, and the endless holiday traffic—to say nothing of the bad weather and 4:30 p.m. sunsets. And waiting at the end of all that frazzled planning and prepping? A crowded dinner table with small talk obligations and a problematic uncle who won’t stop bringing up The Topic Everyone Agreed Not to Discuss.
While we can’t stop your family from launching conversational grenades at this year’s gathering, we can take some of the friction out of getting there—and out of the rest of winter driving, too. Here are nine accessories that make the season run a little smoother (many of which happen to make great gifts).
1. Charging Phone Mounts
When you’re navigating slick roads and unpredictable weather, the last thing you need is a phone garbling directions from the cupholder. A secure dash or vent mount puts hands-free traffic alerts safely in your line of sight, while an integrated charger makes sure your phone doesn’t die halfway through the road trip (or the playlist). Traveling with kids? Since it’s a universal rule that parental screen bans lift with holiday spirits, consider keeping a fully charged power bank on hand and upgrading to a tablet mount for back-seat cartoons. Giggles and snack requests are a much better soundtrack on long drives than a relentless chorus of “But how MUCH further?”
2. Winter Wiper Blades
Quieting back-seat distractions helps keep your eyes facing forward, but that’s no good if you can’t see past the hood. Winter wiper blades can help keep your windshield clear, even in harsh conditions. Beam-style designs are particularly effective, since they have no exposed frame for ice and snow to pack into—meaning they keep clearing when conventional blades start smearing. Whichever style you choose, give them a fighting chance with winter-grade washer fluid and a sturdy ice scraper and snow brush to clear the glass before your wipers have to. Even the best new blades can’t do much with a frozen windshield.
3. Traction Aids
If your winter is defined by heavy snow, slush, or mud, you already know the value of a good traction aid. And while that bag of non-clumping kitty litter in the trunk works in a pinch, it might be time to invest in something more reliable. Traction boards wedge under spinning tires to give them something solid to grip, and unlike kitty litter, they’re reusable season after season. They come in a range of sizes and weights, too, so you don’t need heavy-duty, off-road-rated boards just to get out of an unplowed driveway—plus, a lighter, more compact set tucks easily into the trunk of a car or SUV. Some designs even double as shovels, with scoop-shaped ends for digging out around your tires. If you’re heading into the mountains, where snowy passes are the norm, tire chains are the more rugged, specialized option. Some routes even require them during winter storms.
4. Floor Liners
Between snowy boots and slushy parking lots, your vehicle’s carpets take a beating during the winter season. Replacing those sad factory floor mats with custom-fit polymer floor liners not only keeps chalky snowmelt away from your shoes and clothes but also stops that salty water from soaking through to the metal floor pan underneath and slowly rusting it out. Plus, they provide edge-to-edge coverage, are easy to clean, and look great. While you’re at it, consider a matching liner for the cargo bay. As anyone who’s had the misfortune of hauling home a Christmas tree without one can tell you: needles and sap are a lot easier to wipe off a liner than scrub out of carpet.
5. De-Icer
There’s nothing quite like running late on a frosty morning, only to find your car door frozen shut. Thankfully, a can of de-icer can make quick work of sealed-shut locks and handles—and many formulas work wonders on frozen windshields too. (Just remember to keep it in your bag or by the door, as it won’t do you much good in the glovebox.) For doors that continually stick to the frame, spray the rubber seals with a light coat of silicone spray early in the season to prevent the aggravation when temperatures drop.
6. Portable Battery Jump Starter
There are plenty of gadgets that promise to make life easier and end up doing the opposite—battery jump starters are the exception. Instead of sitting on the side of the road or putting your holiday plans (and safety) in the hands of a stranger with jumper cables, these accessories get you back on the road in no time. In addition to providing a powerful jolt, many models double as flashlights and phone chargers, and some even include a built-in air compressor for low tires. With most options coming in under $200, it’s affordable peace of mind and the kind of practical upgrade that’s worth grabbing during a Black Friday sale.
7. Roadside Emergency Kit
As moms around the world are always insisting: every car should have a roadside emergency kit. A good one covers the basics for flat tires and breakdowns—and if you haven’t picked up that jump starter yet—dead batteries, too. Consider rounding yours out with a flashlight, basic hand tools, bungee cords, and safety triangles or flares. For winter driving specifically, toss in a warm blanket, some water and snacks, a pair of quality work gloves (no one wants to change a tire bare-handed in the bitter cold), and yes, a roll of toilet paper. Winter traffic jams are no joke.
8. Mud Flaps
If you drive a truck, you have a few additional winter worries—and the slush, salt, mud, and gravel kicked up by your own tires is a big one. Over time, all that grime chips away at paint and starts eating through the lower body panels, especially on salt-treated roads. Mud flaps block the road debris your tires fling backward, cutting down on wear and tear, keeping your truck cleaner, and mercifully shielding unsuspecting fellow travelers from a constant sandblasting. Running a lift or oversized tires? Look for wider, longer flaps that actually cover the tread.
9. Tonneau Cover
While it's definitely a bigger-ticket item, a tonneau cover is an investment that pays off long past winter. In addition to keeping tools and gear out of sight (and reach) of would-be thieves, it shields your cargo and the truck bed itself from rain, snow, sun, falling leaves, bird poop, and anything else Mother Nature can think to throw your way. Plus, many truck owners see a slight bump in fuel economy, thanks to improved aerodynamics. Not sure which type is best for the harsh weather you might see this season? Our guide can help you find the right fit.
Find Your Winter Must-Haves at Parts Via
We can’t promise a stress-free holiday, but the right accessories can make seasonal travel a whole lot easier. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or the driver on your list, Parts Via has what you need to take on winter—with fast, FREE ship-to-store delivery to a local shop near you.