Everyone will have their own reasoning for buying an SUV over the equivalent saloon or hatchback, but it usually comes down to a three main factors. Firstly, they’re a fair bit larger, making them perfect for cramming in a family holiday’s worth of luggage and lifestyle paraphernalia. Secondly, they offer better visibility and are probably considered safer than ‘normal’ cars (well, at least for those inside the SUV). And finally, they’re perceived to be better at handling tricky terrain and weather conditions because they have decent ground clearance and are (more often than not) all-wheel drive.
With winter just around the corner, it’s easy for SUV and crossover owners to think they’re ready to take on the icy conditions. For the most part, they’d be right. SUVs rocking four-wheel drive will naturally enjoy an advantage in traction when the inevitable week of snow strikes, while the extra ground clearance means getting out of a tricky situation should be a breeze if you were to slide into a snow drift. Not to mention the abundance of driving modes on offer these days that configure the car up for all sorts of conditions, be it snow, ice or even sand.
However, it’s easy to get complacent when driving something that looks as though it could effortlessly take on an expedition to the North Pole. No matter how capable your car is in these conditions, it’s always worth checking your tyre pressures to make sure you’re getting the most from your car’s rubber. Tyre pressure can vary depending on ambient temperature, so now seems as good a time as any to check yours match up with those in the handbook. It’s also worth bringing a set of jump leads along for the drive, as batteries can easily run flat when the mercury hits the floor.
Of course, it always helps to plan ahead for these sort of things. Thankfully, eBay has an array of winter essentials, from ice scrapers to winter tyres, that’ll have you fully prepped for the icy months ahead. Plug your car’s registration into eBay’s My Garage, and you’ll be able to view all sorts of parts and accessories that are compatible with your car. So if you want to get ahead of the game, it’s probably worth using the feature to pick up a new battery (if only as a spare) before the cold weather really starts to take effect. It won’t be long before the gritters start doing the rounds either, making roads less slippery but also making the roads extra gunky in the process. You’ll therefore want your wiper blades to be in top working order. If they’re getting a little juddery, My Garage can help you find a set that’ll bolt straight onto the car.
Don’t forget the basics, either. It’s always worth carrying a jump pack in your boot for those times where the cold runs your battery down and there’s no one about to hook a set of jump leads up to. Remember, engines need a little love in the cold, too, so a bottle of anti-freeze might come in handy.
That’s just a fraction of what eBay has in store for drivers looking to get a head start on their winter prep. It gets better, as eBay is offering a 20 per cent discount for PHers on winter essentials such as ice scrapers, windscreen covers and much, much more. Follow the link here to nab yourself a deal and get that SUV of yours winter ready.
This article is presented in partnership with eBay. Shop for motoring parts and accessories here. For 20 per cent off winter essentials, shop here.
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