Introduction
There’s something quite magical about winter driving, the misty mornings, the frosty fields, that first glimpse of snow. But, let’s be honest, when the temperature drops and the roads turn slick, it can also be a bit stressful. That’s where having the right car features really makes a difference. Whether you’re setting off for an early commute or heading out on a chilly weekend adventure, a few clever bits of technology can make every journey safer, warmer and far less of a faff.
So, before you brace yourself for icy windscreens and slippery roundabouts, here’s our guide to the must have winter driving features for 2025.
Heated Seats and Steering Wheel
If there’s one feature that feels like pure bliss on a freezing morning, it’s heated seats. Add in a heated steering wheel and suddenly that 7am school run doesn’t feel so bad. These features warm up within seconds, meaning you can defrost yourself long before the cabin heat kicks in. Plus, because you’re not blasting the heater straight away, they’re surprisingly efficient too.
You’ll find them across many new cars, from Audi to Volkswagen and in a wide range of used cars too. Once you’ve tried them, there’s no going back!
Traction Control and Stability Systems
A frosty corner, a bit of black ice, that’s when your car’s safety systems really come into play. Modern cars now come with clever technology like Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control Systems (TCS). In simple terms, they work together to stop you skidding or spinning the wheels when the grip disappears. If you’ve ever felt that heart stopping moment when the tyres start to slide, you’ll appreciate just how valuable this is.
Most new cars will have these systems as standard, and even many used cars feature it too.
All Wheel Drive
If you live somewhere that often gets a dusting of snow or heavy winter rain, an All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel-Drive (4WD) car might just be your best friend. These systems automatically send power to the wheels that need it most, helping you stay firmly planted on the road. Think of it as your car’s built in bodyguard, ready to step in when conditions get tricky. Cars like the Audi Q5, Volkswagen Tiguan, or Land Rover Discovery Sport are all brilliant examples of AWD done right.
Heated Windscreen and Mirrors
We’ve all been there, standing outside in the dark, scraping frost off the windscreen and wondering why we didn’t set the alarm five minutes earlier. A heated windscreen completely changes that, with the press of a button, tiny filaments in the glass melt away ice and fog, giving you a clear view in seconds. Pair it with heated door mirrors, and you’ll be ready to hit the road before your coffees even cooled. It’s a small feature, but one that makes those freezing mornings much more bearable.
Adaptive Headlights
With shorter days and darker nights, good headlights are a winter must. Adaptive headlights take things a step further, they automatically adjust the light’s angle and intensity depending on your speed, steering and surroundings. That means better visibility on winding country roads and fewer dazzling moments for oncoming drivers. You’ll find this clever technology on lots of car models, including Audi, Volkswagen and CUPRA.
Remote Start and Pre-Conditioning
Imagine warming your car up from the sofa, sounds good right?
Many of today’s hybrid and electric cars now come with remote start or pre-conditioning, which lets you heat your cabin and even defrost the windscreen using your smartphone. It’s one of those features you never realised you needed until you’ve tried it - then it becomes an essential.
Winter or All Season Tyres
Even with all the latest safety technology, your tyres are still the only thing actually touching the road, so they’re worth a bit of attention. Winter tyres are made from a softer rubber compound that stays grippy in cold conditions, while all-season tyres are a great middle ground if you’d rather not swap sets each year. If you’re unsure which is best for you, our teams at your local Swansway dealership are always happy to help you choose what’s right for your car and your lifestyle.
Ready for Winter?
Driving through winter doesn’t have to be daunting, not when your car’s got the right tools for the job. Whether you’re looking for a brand new car packed with the latest cold weather technology, or a used car that’s ready to handle whatever the British winter throws your way, you’ll find plenty of choice right here at Swansway Motor Group. Take a look at our latest new car offers or browse used car stock and get yourself ready for a safer, more comfortable winter drive.