TECH TALK

By Angela West

HERE’S THE LATEST ON WHAT’S HAPPENING IN AUTOMOTIVE GADGETS AND APPS.

As all Canadian drivers know, January is often the worst month to be on the roads. Blizzards, ice, frost - this is the time of year that tests your winter driving skills.

When you’re going up against the elements, you can’t take chances. Slow down, make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit onboard at all times, and always keep up with vehicle maintenance. It’s best to do a full safety check in fall, before the snow flies, to ensure that the tires, brakes, steering, and lights are all in good working order before winter bites.

Whether you’re dealing with an emergency, or simply looking for a way to make winter easier, there’s a range of automotive gadgets to see you through the season. From heated steering wheels to tire ‘socks’, we’ve rounded up some of the best so wherever your vehicle takes you this winter, you’ll be safe, cozy, and well-protected.

Get a grip on the road

Driving on snowy, icy roads, it’s easy to lose your grip and skid out of control. Make sure you don’t end up in a ditch this winter with SnowGecko’s snow socks. Made from durable fabric, designed to maximize traction, these covers slip over your tires to give you added protection on slippery surfaces or help you drive your way out of a snowbank.

As with tire chains, the socks are usable up to 50 km but, unlike chains, there’s no wrestling with them at the side of the road as you struggle to attach them in the cold. Instead, you can have them on in minutes - drape them over the tires, roll forward slowly to secure them in place, and you’re good to go. The socks will adjust as you drive, centering around the wheel so you don’t have to worry about them slipping off.

The socks are available in a range of sizes to fit most tires, they’re also machine washable, and reusable. In fact, they actually improve with use - improving their grip as the material ‘fuzzes’ up through frequent wear.

SnowGecko’s socks tuck away in a lightweight pouch so they won’t take up too much room in your trunk or safety kit. And you’ll be very glad you packed them when the snow starts falling.

Find out more about SnowGecko Snow socks at snowgecko.ca

Say goodbye to scraping

There are many unpleasant winter tasks but scraping ice off your windshield on a bitter cold morning has to be one of the worst.

For those unfortunate enough not to have indoor parking or a covered driveway, getting ready to leave the house involves a lot of extra work. Make it easier with a Frostguard Pro windshield cover.

A heavy layer of thick, durable, fabric, the cover protects your windshield from ice, snow, and frost. Elastic straps help it fit snugly onto your windshield so there are no drips or leaks. It’s made of waterresistant PVC and fits most cars, minivans, and trucks. It also comes with an oversized strap so it can be looped around large mirrors, and a quick-drying sleeve so it can be easily packed away after use.

This winter gadget is simple but highly effective - just whip it off the windshield and you’re ready to go!

For more information on the Frostguard Pro windshield cover, visit frostguard.us

Dig your way out of trouble

Since you’re in a province that’s prone to heavy snowfall, it’s worth taking along a little extra shoveling help on your next drive.

The Voile Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel can be a lifesaver in an emergency, helping you dig your way out of a snowdrift and/or clear some snow from your tires to get you moving again.

A favorite of skiers and mountaineers, the shovel is lightweight and extendable so it won’t take up space in your vehicle. You can even remove the telescopic handle from the scoop altogether to stow it away in a pack or emergency bag.

If you’re planning on doing any winter hiking and exploring Canada’s backcountry, this small but sturdy shovel is a must-have accessory. Put it in your trunk before the snow falls and be ready for anything.

Find out more about the Voile Telepro Mini Avalanche Shovel at voile.com

Warm up your hands

Icy steering wheels might be a minor annoyance, but once you’ve tried the heated versions, you’ll wonder how you ever got through winter without them.

Big Ant’s 12v Heated Steering Wheel Cover is a winter driving gamechanger. It fits over your steering wheel like a standard cover, but can be plugged into your 12V cigarette lighter adapter to get it warm and toasty.

Once plugged in, the breathable cover heats up within 1 to 3 minutes, radiating gentle heat that will quickly thaw out frozen hands. At 14.5 inches, the cover is a universal fit for most models and comes in classic black.

More than just a luxury add-on, heated steering wheel covers are especially useful for drivers with arthritis who often struggle to maintain flexibility and strength in their hands during periods of cold weather.

For more information on the Big Ant Heated Steering Wheel Cover, visit bigant.store

Keep snow out of your vehicle

Every vehicle needs a good set of floor mats to protect its interior year-round, but this is especially important in winter when passengers and drivers track in salt, slush, ice, and snow.

Your winter mats need to be especially durable to cope with all that seasonal sludge which is why we recommend WeatherTech’s All-Weather Floor Mats.

Made from a heavy duty rubber material, they’re designed to stay flexible even as the temperatures plummet and feature a textured surface that catches water, salt, and snow. When they get too dirty, just take them out and wash them down - removing any mess is quick and easy thanks to the non-stick finish.

Most floor mats slip and slide, letting water and dirt accumulate underneath. WeatherTech minimizes this issue with anti-skid ridges on the underside of the mat, and mats that can be custom fitted to your vehicle’s exact specifications so they’re snugly sealed around doors and seats.

Find out more about WeatherTech’s AllWeather Floor Mats at weathertech.ca

Get your wipers ready for winter

From wrapping windshield wipers in covers to keeping them up when not using the vehicle, Canadians have many winter wiper hacks to keep their blades from freezing. But for complete peace of mind, it’s better to invest in a durable set of blades that can withstand anything winter throws at them.

Just as you change your tires for winter, you should also consider changing your wipers. TRICO Ice Wipers are equipped for extreme weather, with a protective casing that stops ice from damaging the blades.

They’re easily installed, snapping into place with one click, and encased in heavy-gauge rubber so they won’t crack in sub-zero temperatures. The wedge-shape, flexible design shovels snow off your windshield without missing a spot or leaving messy streaks.

If you get caught in a winter white-out, having wipers that are tailor made for extreme weather can make all the difference, giving you much-needed visibility in treacherous conditions.

For more information on Trico Ice Wipers, visit tricoproducts.com

Heat things up

On frigid days, the Temro Little Buddy Car Warmer will be your favourite passenger.

A portable 120V heater, this small but mighty gadget has 900 watts of heating power to quickly warm up the interior of cold vehicles and ensure that any frost stays outside the car. It’s an environmentally-friendly alternative to getting your car going via remote start and letting the engine idle while it warms up.

The car warmer unit can be mounted so you can fix it in place all winter long and never have to climb into a cold cab or sit shivering while your windows defrost. And if you’re the organized type, you can even hook the heater up to a timer so there’s no waiting around for warmth.

To find out more about the Temro Little Buddy Car Warmer, visit phillipsandtemro.com

Give stuck wheels a helping hand

Some people will tell you that a bag of kitty litter is all you need to free your tires when they’re spinning out in snow. This inelegant solution might work, but it’s nowhere near as reliable as a sturdy set of traction boards.

Even urban dwellers should keep traction pads in their car in winter as snow storms can come on suddenly and it’s better to be prepared than stranded.

Lightweight and flexible, the Jeremywell

All-Weather Foldable Traction Boards are a great buy for your winter driving safety kit. They neatly fold away so you can toss them in the trunk and forget about them all winter long. They’re also incredibly durable, come in a pair, and are relatively inexpensive compared to other models on the market.

For more information about the Jeremywell All-Weather Foldable Traction Boards, visit jeremywellindustry.com ■