Winter is coming to the UK, so we've put together a quick guide to keep you safe and snug!
Many of us drive our VWs through the winter, so we wanted to show you some of the products we stock that can take some of the stress and danger out of driving in the less-than-optimal conditions we're subjected to every winter.
Here are a few tips to make sure your 'dub is ready to face the winter:
- Make sure all your lights are clean and working properly, and that you've got spare bulbs
- Check that the battery is totally charged, and that it's charging properly
- See if your wiper blades have perished, and make sure they're clearing the whole window properly.
- Take a look at the condition of your tyres - tread depth and pressure are especially important on wintery roads
- Make sure your brakes are all working well and haven't gone 'spongey'
- Ensure all your fluid levels are kept topped up, especially windscreen wash, anti-freeze and oil
Safety first!
Halogen Conversion
One of the most obvious issues we face driving in the winter is that it's usually dark - especially on the way to or from work! Anyone who has visited JK HQ in Hampshire knows it's a pretty rural location, so most of us have converted out headlights to run halogen bulbs. These give a much brighter light, especially on classic VWs, and make it easier to see and be seen.
Fog Lights
We've also got a range of fog lights, which can be invaluable in the winter months. Early morning fog can be a real hazard, and not all VWs will have them. Fortunately, they're easy enough to install, and look cool!
Yellow Light
The yellow lights listed above are a great accessory, as research shows that the wavelength of yellow light is better able to penetrate fog, allowing you to see even better. Plus they look great, so that's a bonus!
Slip Mats
Anti-slip mats are a great thing to have tucked away in your 'dub in case you need them. They work just as well at getting you out of snow and ice as they do at freeing you from mud at a VW show.
Blue & Purple
For you water-cooled owners, we've also got both formulas of original-spec anti freeze. This is definitely something worth checking before the winter really kicks in!
Staying snuggly
If you're going away in your 'dub this winter (and why wouldn't you? It's a great time to get away from it all, and it's usually really quiet at the campsites!) we've got a whole range of products to keep you snug as a bug in a dub!
Luxury Covers
Our van covers have been one of our most popular products since we launched them, and this year they've undergone yet another round of improvements!
They're great for keeping snow, ice, rain, bird droppings and UV light away from your beloved VW.
Thermo Mats
Thermo mats are another classic winter product. They're available in both internal and external styles, which are both great for different users.
Internal thermo mats are great if you're away camping at any time of year. They're specifically designed to keep the cold out and the warmth in during winter, and also reflect harsh sunlight away in the summer to stop you from waking up in your van feeling like you're in an oven!
External thermo mats are ideal if you commute to work in your VW. They fit over the cab windows to keep rain, snow and ice away from the glass, so you don't have to spend ages scraping your windows in the morning.
Amazing Heaters
Some of our favourite products for the winter months are the range of Eberspacher and Propex heaters that we stock. They've made an unbelievable difference to our own vehicles, making them much more driveable in the cold. Some can even be set to come on at a certain time so your van is toasty warm in time for you to drive to work, and some of the Eberspacher heaters can be controlled by an app on your phone.
Different models will be better for different people, so we'll list them all here and let you take a look!
Heated Bug Glass
If you're looking for a treat for your Beetle, we've got just the thing - a fully heated, 12v windscreen just for Bugs!
It wires straight into your VW with minimal effort, and lets you melt snow and ice right off the screen without having to scrape the glass. It's also great for clearing fog and condensation from the glass, which can be a real pain in Beetles.
It's worth noting that the windscreen has to be picked up from us at JK HQ, but that just means you get to come chat to the JK Team and take a look at the VWs parked up in our shop!