Tuesday, November 6, 2018

7 Must-Have Winter Accessories for Your Jeep Wrangler

Embracing Old Man Winter

When Old Man Winter rolls in, Jeep owners experience a completely different season depending on where they live. While some Southern Jeepers are still driving topless, those of us in colder climates are staring down snowstorms, icy roads, sleet, slush, mud, and salt-covered highways.

Preparing your Jeep for winter isn’t just smart—it's essential for safe driving and stress-free adventures. After more than a decade of winter wheeling and cold-weather commuting, these are the 7 must-have winter Jeep accessories every Wrangler owner should consider.


Inches of Snow on my Jeep.
Jeep with piles of snow

Watch ➤➤ Top 5 Winter Accessories 

Quick Answer: What Accessories Do You Really Need for Winter?

To prepare your Jeep for snow, ice, salt, and freezing temperatures, you need:

  1. Snow tires

  2. Winter wiper blades

  3. All-weather floor mats

  4. Grille guard or front-end protection

  5. Jeep-specific winter emergency kit

  6. Heated seat covers or steering wheel wrap

  7. Long-reach snow brush and ice scraper

Scroll down for why each one matters—and the gear I personally use.

 

1. Snow Tires (or Studded Tires in Harsh Climates)

Winter driving requires more than 4WD. It requires traction, and nothing provides better cold-weather grip than dedicated winter tires.

Snow and ice tires use:

  • Softer rubber compounds (stay flexible in freezing temps)

  • Deeper tread patterns

  • Ice-gripping siping

  • Optional studs for extreme climates

If you live where winters are unpredictable (snow one day, slush the next), snow tires make the biggest difference in braking, turning, and overall control.

My go-to winter/off-road tire:
➡ Nexen Roadian MTX Tire   — they’ve served me well both on snowy roads and off-road winter trails.


Close up of tire tread.
tire treads


2. Winter Wiper Blades

Regular blades freeze easily, streak in slush, and fail quickly in cold weather.
Winter wiper blades are built with:

  • A rubber boot to prevent ice buildup

  • Heavier framing for snow

  • High-quality rubber for wet winter performance

Pair them with a full wiper fluid reservoir and you’ll have clearer visibility on snowy mountain roads, icy highways, and blustery trail days.

Winter visibility is safety. Don’t skip this one. It may not seem like a big deal but Wiper Blade Maintenance can be crucial when driving in the winter. Especially on snowy mountain roads.  


3. All-Weather Deep-Dish Floor Mats

Winter means slush, mud, melted snow, rock salt, and dirt. Without protection, your Jeep’s carpet will soak it all up.

Invest in floor liners with:

  • High side walls

  • Deep grooves

  • Rubberized or molded plastic material

These liners trap the mess and make cleaning effortless. Simply pull them out, shake or hose them down, and pop them back in.

I’ve personally reviewed and used:

Both were excellent and winter-ready.


All weather floor mats



 

4. Grille Guard for Winter Protection

A grille guard is more than an aesthetic upgrade—it’s front-end armor. Winter driving often involves slipping, sliding, and unexpected “kiss-the-snowbank” moments.

A grille guard helps protect:

  • Your grille

  • Radiator

  • Headlights

  • Front bumper

Whether you get an inch or several feet of snow, that extra protection can save you from costly repairs.


Front of my Jeep with the bumper grille guard
front Jeep Grille


5. Jeep Winter Emergency Kit

A dedicated winter kit is essential. It doesn’t need to be fancy, but it must include basics that keep you safe when temperatures drop.

Build your winter emergency kit with:

  • Emergency signals or flares

  • Blanket

  • Portable shovel

  • Tire pressure gauge

  • First-aid kit

  • Water + snacks

  • Flashlight

  • Tow strap or recovery gear (especially if you wheel in winter)

This is one of the most important “accessories” you can carry. If you hit the trails a good off-road recovery kit is necessary. 


6. Heated Seat Covers or Steering Wheel Wrap

If you’re a cold-weather Jeeper who still likes going topless (or at least windowless on warmer winter days), heated accessories are a game changer.

Benefits:

  • Warm up faster than the Jeep’s HVAC

  • Help with stiff backs and sore muscles

  • Keep the cabin comfortable even in freezing temps

They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and make winter driving much more enjoyable.


7. Long-Reach Snow Brush & Ice Scraper

A simple tool, but absolutely essential for Jeep owners—especially lifted Jeep owners.

Look for a snow brush with:

  • Telescoping handle

  • Foam or soft bristles

  • Built-in scraper

  • Angled head (better for Jeep windshields)

This is one accessory you’ll use almost every single winter day.




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