How To Winterize Your Vehicle

When the cold weather hits this winter, both you and your vehicle need to be prepared. Whether you live in an extra cold climate and are faced with months of freezing temperatures or if you’re just planning a road trip to experience the snow for a short period, you can maintain your vehicle’s amenities with proper planning. From seat covers and splash guards to truck bed covers and remote start systems, we’ve put together a list of ways you can winterize your vehicle featuring accessories that protect both your Ford vehicle’s interior and exterior from wintry weather.

Protect Your Interior 

When you think of ways to winterize your vehicle, the exterior of your car often comes to mind first. But since you enter and exit your vehicle multiple times each day, the interior becomes just as impacted by harsh weather conditions. One way to take protective measures for the inside of your vehicle is by installing all-weather floor mats and seat covers to keep the inside of your Ford vehicle looking fresh and grime-free! Our durable, rubber floor mats are made to perfectly fit your vehicle for premium protection from snow, road salt, and water. The floor mats feature deep grooves and raised edges to help keep slush and mud from reaching your vehicle’s carpet. 

Additionally, with a wide selection of colors and patterns, our seat cover products will help keep your interior tidy all winter long by protecting your vehicle’s seats from everyday wear and tear, pets, and kids. Since the covers are engineered for your specific Ford model, they allow access to all seat controls and are compatible with airbags. And as a bonus, our seat covers can be washed in your home washer and dryer, making for easy cleanup once they become dirty!

Check Your Battery

Cold weather can limit a battery’s power in the winter months. Electricity slows down within the battery as temperatures drop, making it increasingly difficult for it to produce the maximum amount of power. Getting your battery checked before winter should never be overlooked as it helps prevent issues all season long. Additionally, allowing a car to sit through extended storage periods, as many drivers do when they are away for the winter, can cause a dead battery, so a charger may be necessary. The Ford Performance 5.0 Charger/Maintainer is one of our fastest, most efficient consumer chargers available. It safely charges and takes your battery through a reconditioning process and safely maintains it through extended storage periods, ensuring high reliability and longer battery life. 

However, if you do find yourself with a dead battery, having a battery jump starter on hand will help bring your battery back to life in seconds, preventing a potential disaster. Our NOCO battery jump starter pack products contain a portable lithium-ion battery so you won’t be without power for long and can continue with your travels this winter. Also handy, these jump starter packs double as portable power sources for USB devices like cell phones and tablets, and, in an emergency, contain a 500-lumen LED flashlight with multiple modes, including SOS.

Pack A Winter Safety Kit

Since emergencies can happen to anyone, it’s essential to have a winter car safety kit on hand in case you get stranded or stuck while out on snowy and icy roads. Keeping handy supplies in your vehicle allows you to be prepared for any worst-case scenarios and get back on the road. Below are a few important items to keep in your car so you’re ready for whatever winter throws your way. 

• Ice scraper and snow brush
• Flashlight
• First aid kit
• A blanket
• Hand warmers
• Portable air compressor
• Multi-Tool
• Work gloves
• Tire pressure gauge

Vehicle shown with optional equipment. [Professional driver on closed course.] Always consult the Owner’s Manual before off-road driving, know your terrain and trail difficulty, and use appropriate safety gear.

Be Prepared For The Elements

No matter how careful you try to be when driving through winter weather conditions, your vehicle is bound to kick up slush, ice, and other debris from the road. Without splash guards, or mud flaps, installed, your Ford vehicle’s paint is at risk of damage from sharp and rugged objects. Splash guards also keep your wheel wells protected from the elements and prevent rust from forming on your vehicle’s underside throughout the winter months. 

F-150 Platinum shown with optional equipment

Switch To Snow Tires

Living in a climate that experiences extremely cold temperatures may require more than just all-weather tires for your vehicle. For optimal performance, installing winter tires may be necessary if temperatures are consistently below freezing. Winter-specific tires provide better traction in harsh conditions due to their unique tread patterns to navigate snow and ice. They are also made of a softer rubber material that remains flexible even when frozen. While you’re winterizing your vehicle, it’s important to consider and research the types of tires necessary for your climate to ensure the safest driving experience.

Keep Your Car Bundled Up

If you’re going to be away for the winter or not utilizing your car much in the colder months, keeping it snug and cozy can help it stay ready for the next time you’re ready to drive. Our car covers are engineered for your specific Ford model to help ensure a perfect fit and protection from dust, wind, and snow. Additionally, we offer WeatherShield full car covers for certain vehicles with the Nextec encapsulation process for premium protection and convenient storage options. 

Shown with optional equipment

Install A Truck Bed Cover

No matter the weather, you should be confident that your vehicle (and the items in it) are protected. Keep the elements out of your truck with a bed cover! Whether you prefer a durable, hardcover with full coverage or a soft, folding tonneau cover that can be rolled up for easy access to items in your truck bed, we have Ford Accessories products that are engineered to fit your specific model. Our hard-sided bed covers have contoured edges that wrap over the sides of the bed along with rugged synthetic hinges and seals for outstanding weather resistance. Meanwhile, our folding tonneau covers are built on an extremely strong frame and covered with premium vinyl for excellent weather resistance.

Stay Warm With A Remote Start

Although your vehicle is faced with blustery winter conditions, you shouldn’t have to endure the same harsh elements. With a remote start system, you can warm up your vehicle before you step foot inside to ensure it’s nice and toasty for your drive. Our remote start kits allow you to start your vehicle from hundreds of feet away and some are even able to automatically activate heated seats while setting the heater to 72 degrees! Maximize your vehicle’s comfort all winter long with a remote start system from Ford Accessories.

Get Ready For Winter

Winter is coming fast. Are you ready? Be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way this season with the power and safety of available Ford accessories. We have products to meet your vehicle’s unique winter needs and protect it from the elements. Start winterizing your Ford today with our vast selection of available parts and accessories!