Auto Trader reveal top heat innovations to stay cost on the road this winter as searches for car heating features increase
It’s been predicted that Arctic air is set to head our way from Sunday, and the Met Office has warned it’s going to get chilly with some areas even seeing snow and frost. As a result, some Brits are on the search for solutions to stay warm in their cars.
Auto Trader, the UK’s largest automotive platform, has seen searches for key heating features in cars increase ahead of winter, including heated seats increase by 20% since September this year as well as doubling year on year in October (104% increase)
It’s not just warm bums that they’re looking for, drivers are also on the hunt for a heated steering wheel to keep their hands toasty in the driver's seat, with Auto Trader seeing searches rise by 78% year on year and by a quarter (25%) since September 2024.
Auto Trader has compiled a list of some of the best cars available to help people feel more comfortable whilst driving this winter - from driving an early morning commute to a food shop trip or school run, Auto Trader has you covered to make your journey more bearable before you have to brave the chill outside.
For heated seats:
For a heated steering wheel:
For heated cup holders:
For those who needed an extra reason to consider purchasing an electric vehicle this year, most modern vehicles have a ‘preconditioning’ feature which allows you to set the car to warm up while it’s still plugged in. In some models, you can do this remotely via a compatible phone app or even a timer so that it’s the perfect cosy temperature before you even have to get in the car - this also means you are not using up the car’s battery to heat it.
Auto Trader’s top picks for the electric vehicle preconditioning features:
“There’s nothing worse than getting into your car in the winter and feeling cold immediately. It can totally change the enjoyment of your journey and the efficiency of your driving. While for a long time there was only so much you could do about this, the rise in vehicle innovations designed to directly reduce this issue has grown significantly in recent years making these added value features a big consideration for many drivers. With electric vehicles especially proficient in this area, for some drivers it is even proving to be a key factor in choosing this style of vehicle over a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle.”
For more tips on the best cars for winter weather, please visit here .
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