A winter road trip. Nothing quite like it, right? After all, how else can you enjoy the thrill of the winter roads? Snowflakes fluttering down, maybe a hot coffee in the cup holder, and a playlist that gets you singing along.
That being said, when the roads turn slick and icy, that thrill can quickly transform into a nerve-wracking drive. Luckily, modern cars come packed with tech features designed to keep you safe, no matter what the weather throws your way.
Before heading out into the winter wonderland, make sure your car is equipped with these essential features to stay steady on slippery roads.
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Imagine gliding down the highway, your tires hitting a patch of ice. That’s where the electronic stability control, or ESC for short, comes in. Now, what is electronic stability control?
According to Mizzoni’s Auto Body, an electronic stability control system relies on sensors to monitor various aspects of your car. These include speed, engine throttle, steering wheel position, and how the vehicle is turning.
If the ESC system detects that the car is straying from its intended path, it automatically engages the brakes on specific wheels. That, in turn, reduces engine power to help the driver regain control. Basically, with this ESC feature, your car can take corrective action and help realign itself on course.
ESC works hand-in-hand with traction control systems, which monitor each wheel’s grip on the road. The two, of course, do two very different things for your car, but work in unison to maintain stability.
Anyone who’s ever skidded on a slick road will know how terrifying those few moments can be. That’s why features like ESC and traction control are essentials that can prevent accidents and save lives.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
Slamming on the brakes when you’re sliding might be your gut reaction, but it’s also a quick way to lose control of your vehicle. That’s where the anti-lock braking system (ABS) shines.
ABS is that calm friend of yours who tells you to take a breath and think things through. Instead of locking up your brakes, which can cause your car to skid, ABS rapidly pulses the brakes. This, in turn, allows you to maintain control while coming to a gradual stop.
ABS is particularly helpful when driving in the rain, snow, or even on loose gravel. Without it, your tires might just decide to do their own thing, and you don’t want that.
All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
You know that feeling when your car gets stuck in the mud or snow, and your tires just spin helplessly? That’s usually a sign that only a couple of your wheels are doing all the work. Enter all-wheel drive (AWD), which ensures that power gets distributed to all four wheels, giving your car the best possible traction on slick surfaces.
AWD is something very popular in off-road cars. With AWD, you’ve got a team of four working to keep you moving forward.
This feature is especially useful if you’re navigating through winding, hilly, or rugged terrain. On icy roads, it can make a world of difference, offering more control and a smoother ride.
Of course, AWD cars are more expensive. If AWD is an optional upgrade, know that this upgrade will cost you around $1,500 extra. However, for slippery winter roads, AWD is the feature that will guarantee a comfortable ride.
Winter Tires
Winter tires are made of a softer rubber that remains flexible even in freezing conditions, which means they can cling to the road better.
Plus, their tread patterns are specially designed to channel away water, slush, and snow, giving you more control. Even if you have all the tech features in the world, without good tires, you’re still skating on thin ice.
Hence, consider investing in a set of winter tires if you often find yourself on slick roads. A complete set of snow or winter tires can cost between $600 and $1,000 for most vehicles.
Slippery roads don’t have to be a reason to cancel your plans. With the right features on your car, you can tackle rain, snow, and ice without breaking a sweat.
Thus, before you head out for your next adventure, take a minute to make sure your car has these features. It’s a small step that can lead to a much safer, smoother, and more enjoyable drive. After all, who says you can’t have a little fun on a slippery road?
