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VAUXHALL SURVEY FINDS SAT NAVS ARE 'BEST CAR ACCESSOIRIES' BUT WILL SNOW SOCKS TOP THE CHRISTMAS CHARTS?

2010-12-17

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With yet another freezing Christmas upon us, and challenging driving conditions imminent, it’s no surprise that 58% of motorists voted sat nav as the most useful car accessory ever, in a survey* commissioned by Vauxhall Aftersales.

However, after decidedly wintery weather across the UK this month, AutoSock’s ‘Snow Socks’* are proving to be a contender for the most desirable accessory this Christmas. Vauxhall is currently the only vehicle manufacturer to offer this winter’s must-have emergency driving aid and thousands have already experienced firsthand the benefits of these tyre covers which simply slip over the driving wheels of a vehicle to give extra traction in snow and ice. With so many people travelling across the country during the Yuletide season, having a pair stowed neatly in their vehicle is a sensible precaution.

Fortunately for one-stop shoppers, Vauxhall offers both ‘Snow Socks’ and sat navs throughout its comprehensive Retailer network. A range of Garmin stand-alone sat navs units are available starting from £110 while ‘Snow Socks’ are priced from a very affordable £49.95.

Vauxhall’s parking sensor kits should also prove popular this Christmas, as the bumper saving technology commanded an impressive 28% of the survey’s vote. Available as a two sensor rear number plate pack, they are supplied and fitted from £189.

Perhaps helped by memories of last winter’s record-breaking snowfalls, what proved most popular with survey respondents for the future were car accessories which would bring enhanced driver comfort and a high degree of automation. As such, self-parking devices rated very high, as did automatic distance regulation for vehicles on the move. However, the big winners were self-driving systems with 43% of the vote and self-cleaning and waxing systems with 39%.

Among survey respondents who made suggestions for future accessories, there was also high popularity for devices allowing vehicles to run on alternative energy sources, like electric, water and solar power, as well as those that prevented unsafe driving practices.

While the list of Vauxhall accessories available is comprehensive, from tow bars to child seats, safety packs to roof boxes, there are a few gaps in the range. And that’s a good thing as the survey found fluffy dice and ‘on board’ signs, vie for the title of least useful accessories ever. But ultimately there could be only one loser and that went to the dangling die, which should only be considered for a present if it’s delivered by ‘Secret Santa’!

*Survey of 1,000 online repondents

‘Snow Socks’ are effective in freezing driving conditions but motorists are advised that their use is intended to be limited to vital journeys and to be driven on snow and ice-covered surfaces only, to avoid premature wear of the sock. Similarly, while they can be used at speeds of up to 30mph, drivers using ‘Snow Socks’ are advised to travel substantially slower than this.

While ‘Snow Socks’ performance compares well with snow chains, in some countries the use of the latter is mandatory in snowy and icy conditions. When travelling abroad, it is essential to be aware of the equipment you are legally required to carry in the vehicle at all times. Items such as a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and first aid kit, are required in most European countries and these can be purchased from Vauxhall Retailers as a ‘Safety Pack’ for £27.