Cars

Helpful Purchases To Make When Driving In New Climates

a beautiful woman reading a map

If you’re used to driving in harsh Canadian winters, odds are that driving in the midst of the Greek sunshine could be something of a shock. That’s because we usually build habits and practices based on that we’re used to, and such a sharp change may affect our ability to handle the roads.

This is one aspect of driving safety that is often ignored, we often think that if we are comfortable behind the wheel in one place, it’s only changing road rules that we need to think about. But intensive weather shifts can as well, especially if you’re not used to them, or if you’ve only been driving a year or so.

In this article, we will discuss some helpful practices and purchases you could make when driving in newer and unfamiliar environments. We hope if nothing else our advice helps you feel a touch safer and more comfortable behind the wheel.

woman in car in mountains in winter
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Sunglasses & Eyewear

Sunlight can hit in ways you’re not used to when you drive somewhere new, and if your eyes aren’t ready for it, everything will feel sharper, harsher, and harder to focus on. When your glasses don’t block that glare right, or you have to keep switching back and forth between regular specs and sunglasses that don’t quite fit, it’s a hassle and a distraction.

Prescription sunglasses solve that by letting you keep your vision clear and the glare down without the juggling act, so your eyes aren’t working overtime and you don’t have to squint or get tired as fast. When you’re driving somewhere new, that’s exactly the kind of thing that helps keep you calm and in control behind the wheel, even if you’re just trying to fight for a parking space.

First Aid Kits and Breakdown Equipment

No one plans to have a breakdown or get hurt while driving, but when you’re somewhere you don’t know, having basic emergency gear close by feels like a small win. A first aid kit stocked with essentials could save your life.

You’ll find a benefit in other breakdown gear as well, like a reflective triangle, jump leads, and a torch can save you from sitting helpless on the side of the road, especially if phone signal is patchy or you don’t know who to call. These items don’t take up much space, but once you have them, you won’t worry as much as you call for help.

woman in black shirt driving car
Photo by KoolShooters

Odor Protections

Now, we’re not saying you have a smelly car, but this one can improve your time on the road, especially if you’re driving through certain places. New environments sometimes come with new smells, and a hot baking car you sit in for hours a day might not be the most beautifully refined space.

Keeping something like an air freshener or odor absorber in your vehicle can help make the space feel a bit more normal and less stressful. Feeling comfortable in your car matters when you’re focused on roads you don’t know, after all, especially if you’re traveling with pets or your kids.

With this advice, we hope you can feel comfortable behind the wheel and enjoy your new climate safely.

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