As the popular TV show tagline goes, “Winter is coming”. Snow, sleet, and rain can exponentially increase the potential of getting into an accident due to slippery roads. It’s no wonder then that a Volkswagen dealership in Albuquerque, NM is rolling out some helpful tips to ensure that VW drivers can operate their cars smoothly during these cold months. Not only will these steps maximize your VW’s performance, but it can also ensure your family’s safety as you weave through traffic on ice-covered roads.
Why do you need to “winterize” your vehicle?
Unless you live in a tropical country where winter is certainly unheard of, it’s essential to learn the basic of winterizing your vehicle. For one thing, as soon as the temperature drops, it can do all kinds of crazy things to your engine and its numerous parts. This is especially true if you owned a pre-loved or had purchased an older model from a reputable Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, NM.
Fortunately, modern cars don’t require much winterizing compared to the older ones. Still, you always need to prepare for the worst. While regular maintenance can help ensure that you can go through slippery roads without incident, Volkswagen dealerships in Albuquerque, NM still recommend that drivers personally inspect these few things to winterize their car.
Check your tires (and consider getting snow tires)
Cold weather often causes the tire air pressure to drop considerably. This is dangerous, since you need to maintain the right pressure to gain safe traction while driving on icy roads.
A good rule of thumb is to install all-season tires on your vehicle. However, if you are planning to drive in regions with temperatures approaching zero, it might be better to change your usual ones with snow tires. These will give you superior traction and grip when driving through snowy or icy roads.
Check your engine coolant and antifreeze
A coolant keeps your engine from overheating, while an antifreeze keeps it from literally freezing. Though these two seems to be extreme opposites, you need to maintain their recommended levels to keep your car running smoothly during the cold weather. Extreme temperatures can cause your car hoses to either crack or bulge.
The ideal is to have a 50-50 mix of antifreeze and water to provide your engine some protection without messing up your coolant system.
Prepare a “winter box” and keep it inside your trunk
This is more for your personal safety rather than your car’s. A winter box will often include some blankets, water gloves, first-aid kit, flashlight, high-energy snacks (like jerky or energy bars), road flares, ice scraper and a small shovel, waterproof matches, jumper cables, a battery-operated radio, and a bag for sand (to add traction in case you get stuck because of snow). These can help you if ever something goes horribly wrong while you are travelling on an ice-covered road. Make it a habit to check your winter box and put them in your VW as soon as the season begins.
For more helpful tips to make your VW winter-ready, check out Fiesta Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, NM.