Many will agree that winter driving is far more bearable now with modern tech conveniences. Also, newer cars must include certain safety features — such as airbags, seatbelts, backup cameras and more — that weren't mandated by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) before.
These features, and those discussed here, make driving safer and more enjoyable and help mitigate the challenges of driving in cold snow, rain and icy conditions.
10 Modern Tech Features That Enhance Your Winter Driving Experience and Safety
Driving in harsh winter conditions can significantly impede your visibility and driving abilities, leading to increased risk. In fact, 76,000 people in the United States are injured in snow-related auto accidents yearly. Thankfully, the tech features discussed here are designed to promote control, visibility, comfort and convenience.
1. Remote Start and Central Locking
Electronic key fobs have allowed us to lock and unlock our cars remotely for years with the help of power door locks. It meant no more frozen door locks to try to thaw so you could get a key in to unlock your vehicle.
And now modern key fobs let you start your car remotely before heading out. This gives your car's engine a chance to heat up and means that the heater and defroster are available sooner for your driving comfort. Just ensure you don’t start the car in the garage with the door closed, because you could get a buildup of carbon dioxide in your home if the garage is attached.
2. Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
LDW systems are an advanced safety feature that detects when you stray from your lane. This helps keep you in the lane when visibility is poor and alerts you through audio and visual warnings. This effectively prevents you from veering into oncoming traffic and assists you in staying on the road.
Be aware that this may not work correctly or at all under certain snow and ice conditions. The system requires visual cues, and heavy snow or sleet can interfere with the technology's functionality.
3. Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA)
FCA typically comprises various technologies, such as forward collision warning (FCW), which uses object detection to warn you of obstructions. FCW may include a pedestrian detection system, which can pick up when a person crosses your path.
FCA will also include automatic emergency braking (AEB), which activates when your car detects something in your path. The combined tech helps you avoid running into objects such as the rear of the vehicle in front of you, and if your system brakes for you, it can help prevent a crash.
4. Adaptive Headlights
These are not very common, but if you have adaptive headlights, they work great in poor visibility and when driving on curving roads. This is because, unlike standard headlights that shine in a fixed position pointing straight ahead, adaptive headlights adjust as you turn the steering wheel and shift to illuminate the direction in which you are going. This enables you to see better and follow the road more effectively.
5. Winter Tires
Part of winterizing your vehicle is getting your tires ready for winter, and changing to winter tires is a good idea. Most modern winter tires negate the need for studded winter tires, which have declined in popularity and certain states have even banned them due to increased wear on the roads.
6. Antilock Brake Systems (ABS)
These systems have been around for a while and became a legal requirement in 2012, but with new technology, they work even better at helping you brake in a straight line. Beware, though, ABS is intended to prevent your brakes from locking up, which would cause you to lose total steering control — they won’t make you stop at a shorter distance on slick surfaces.
7. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) System
ESC is another system that has existed for a while. It is a slightly different yet evolved version of traction control that uses somewhat more rudimentary means of preventing tires from slipping.
Modern cars come standard with ESC systems as required by law due to their effectiveness in preventing rollover crashes and other possible road accidents. The system is an advanced means to systematically stop a car from spinning or skidding, particularly in difficult driving conditions. If one wheel starts slipping, the system will apply brakes independently to that wheel and transfer power to another drive wheel.
8. Heated Windshield and Wipers
Heated windshields and wipers are far more effective than other means of trying to clear your windshield and you can turn them on as needed. The windshield has small wires that heat the surrounding area to defrost the window, and the wipers heat up during use and help to melt and evaporate any snow that continues to fall on the windshield.
9. Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
If you have these items, you know how great they feel on an icy cold winter morning. Some seats also come with cooling units for the heat of summer.
Heated seats can get you feeling toasty in minutes and without the dried-out air from the heater. Having both heated seats and steering wheel improves comfort and may seem like a luxury. However, cold temperatures reduce reaction time and dexterity, meaning staying warm could promote safety.
10. Heated Mirrors
This is a highly convenient way to dethaw your side mirrors. You can stay in your car instead of braving the cold to wipe down your mirrors. Having clear mirrors is crucial to seeing what is behind you or at your sides while driving, and having electrical heating elements in your side mirrors means you can keep your line of sight clear and unobstructed.
Prepare for Winter Driving With AAA Central Penn
When driving in the cold and snow this winter, consider your modern vehicle technology needs, and remember, it is important to prepare for a winter car emergency regardless of how many excellent tech features your vehicle has.
While getting ready for the snow and sleet-covered roads, you can also take advantage of our services and sign up for a AAA membership for peace of mind when you drive this winter and experience a range of member benefits that go above and beyond our renowned roadside assistance.
