How to Prepare Your Volkswagen for the Winter Season in Richmond, VA
Winter is no joke when it comes to harsh road conditions and wear on your vehicle’s mechanical parts. By being proactive and staying on top of maintenance, you can prevent a lot of problems and potential dangers during the cold weather months. Our team at West Broad Volkswagen put together a list of 7 ways you should prepare your Volkswagen for the winter season.
1. Inspect Your Tires
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread isn’t worn down. That way, you’ll have the max amount of traction on the road - which is important in the slippery conditions of winter. You may also choose to replace your all-season tires with winter tires, but that depends on your personal needs and the conditions you expect to be driving in.
Make sure your tires are properly inflated and the tread isn’t worn down. That way, you’ll have the max amount of traction on the road - which is important in the slippery conditions of winter. You may also choose to replace your all-season tires with winter tires, but that depends on your personal needs and the conditions you expect to be driving in.
2. Check Your Battery
To avoid a jump-start in the middle of a snowstorm, we suggest getting your battery’s posts and connections checked and cleaned by one of our service professionals at West Broad Volkswagen. They will ensure your battery is in good shape and test its ability to hold a charge so that you avoid the consequences of having a weak battery in freezing weather.
3. Replace Your Wiper Blades
Make sure your windshield wiper blades are rubber-clad and in good condition for clearing snow and ice from your view of the road. We also suggest carrying an ice scraper and stocking up on freeze-resistant windshield washer fluid.
4. Make Sure Your Heater & Defroster Work Well
Being able to defrost your windshield and stay warm inside your Volkswagen is crucial, for both comfort and safety, on icy days. So, make sure your HVAC system is in good condition!
5. Refill or Replace Fluids
In addition to freeze-resistant wiper fluid, make sure your oil and oil filter is changed along with engine coolant, or antifreeze, so that your engine stays running smoothly and at a steady temperature. The cold weather can do a number on your Volkswagen’s internal parts, so keeping them well greased and cared for will prevent extra wear or problems caused by extreme temperatures.
6. Examine Your Belts and Hoses
Whenever you come in for a winter service, have them check the wear and tear on your vehicle’s belts and hoses because cold weather can wreak havoc on those vital parts.
7. Pack an Emergency Kit
Most importantly, make sure your vehicle is stocked with these supplies so that you’re prepared for an emergency situation, especially on a long road trip:
Blanket
Jumper cables
Flashlight and extra batteries
First-Aid Kit
Tool Kit
Flares
Energy Bars or snacks
Water Bottles
Extra Gloves and Boots
Small Shovel
Sand or Kitty Litter to help give traction if you’re stuck
And that’s it! Following these 7 steps will ensure your Volkswagen survives the winter, and you stay safe on the roads.
Most importantly, make sure your vehicle is stocked with these supplies so that you’re prepared for an emergency situation, especially on a long road trip:
Contact us at West Broad Volkswagen to schedule a winter service today!