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Accessory review: winter accessories (part one)

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Amyot Bachand
Winter accessories (part two)
Jan 5, 2007

Here are a couple of handy accessories we tried out for you:

Well lubricated door locks and gaskets
Two types of lubricants have proved to be very efficient come wintertime: silicone- and graphite-based lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants ensure a good lubrication of the door rubber gaskets, which keeps them flexible and prevents them from sticking during significant temperature drops. As for graphite-based lubricants, they're perfect for making sure your door locks won't freeze. However, they make a bit of mess, which means you'll have to wipe away the excess grease after applying the product. Price: $4.99 each.


Stuck in the snow?
To avoid pushing your vehicle unnecessarily, get yourself a pair of traction plates. When needed, slide them underneath the driving wheels. Before attempting any maneuver, make sure nobody is standing near the vehicle. Indeed, the wheels could throw the traction plates forwards or backwards and injure someone. These types of plates are usually made of plastic or steel. You can store them next to your spare tire. One thing's for sure: they do work, and quite well. We've used them regularly to help people out. Price: $29.99 (steel).


Two snow brooms are better than one!
How frustrating is it to get out of your house on a cold morning and to see that your car is all covered in snow? If you had a second broom at home (or in your office), you could brush the snow away and avoid having snow fall on your seats. You can store the broom in a convenient place and use it again only after the next snowstorm. Your main broom, the one you keep inside your car, should be chosen based on your height and the size of your vehicle. Some models feature a telescopic stick and an ergonomic grip. Price: from $1.79 to $10.99.


Windshield cover
What could be more unpleasant than having to scrape your windows after an icy rain? Many drivers put a cardboard on the windshield to reduce the iced-over surface. You can also find a plastic cover to put on the windshield and attach through the front doors. When you come back to your car, you only have to take the cover off and scrape the other windows. The cover is then easily folded and stowed. Don't forget to put it back in place each time you exit your car! Price: from $12.99 to $34.99.


Amyot Bachand
Amyot Bachand
Automotive expert