Winter driving season is in full force. Late-January is the time of year when drivers wonder how they can make their daily commute warmer, safer and more reliable. With freezing temperatures across the country, comfort and control are seriously compromised in the face of ice, snow and sleet.

If you’re living in a part of the country covered in snow and ice right now, then this blog post is for you. The following list includes the best cold weather creature comforts and safety features for surviving winter driving.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

This must-have winter driving feature uses automatic braking of individual wheels to prevent spin outs and fish tails. With ESC, all you have to do is steer in the intended direction, and the system will take care of the rest. Older cars may or may not have ESC, however the law requires that all vehicles manufactured after September 1, 2011 be equipped with stability control.

All-wheel drive

All-wheel drive powers all four wheels of the vehicle. It improves traction on snow and ice, which can be a life-saver in many situations. Often, people with all-wheel drive don’t realize how much it really helps because they don’t experience any initial loss of control.

Winter Tires

Even if you have all-wheel drive and Electronic Stability Control, you’re not really prepared to drive in snowy conditions without a good set of winter tires or all-season radials. The right tires can improve traction dramatically, making just about any car safe for winter driving.

Engine block heater

Then engine block heater makes it easier to start your vehicle in extreme-cold conditions. By helping to start the car and warming it up faster, this essential feature not only saves the driver time, but also extends the engine life by making damage less likely to occur.

Headlight Washers and Wipers

By working to clear blockage from snow, rain, ice and road salt, headlight washers and wipers improve visibility. When there is nothing to block or obscure your headlights, they shine more brightly and clearly.

Heated Seats

Who wouldn’t want a heated bum when the temperatures are dropping below freezing outside?

Remote Vehicle Starting System 

With this feature, drivers can start their ice-cold car up from the comfort of their heated home. In just a few minutes, the car will be warm and ready to roll as soon as you step out the door.

Heated Side Mirrors

If you’ve ever experienced foggy or frozen mirrors, then heated side mirrors are a must. Working much like a defroster, heated side mirrors keep your rear view clear from fog and ice.

Heated Windshield

Save yourself the trouble of scraping ice from the windshield with this convenient car feature. Just activate the heated windshield, and watch the ice melt away.

Windshield Wiper De-Icers

With freezing temperatures come freezing windshield wipers. However, the wiper de-icer can thaw those windshield wipers so they don’t get stuck and damage the motor when activated.