Quick Ways to Prep Your Volkswagen for Winter

Is your car braced for winter’s ice, snow and freezing temperatures? There’s more to it than topping off the antifreeze. Winter car prep can keep you safer during hazardous driving conditions and can actually help lengthen the life of your vehicle. Use these eight tips from Volkswagen car expert, Mark Sappington, to get your car in shape for winter.

1. Check fluid levels.

Top off your radiator’s antifreeze and water mix. Have your system flushed if it has been more than two years because “even antifreeze with extended-life coolants can degrade,” says Mark Sappington, a manager of service operations for Volkswagen Group of America.

Have your system flushed if it has been more than two years unless you have extended-life coolant because all types of coolant can degrade over time, regardless of mileage,” Sappinton says. See your owner’s manual to determine which type of coolant to use.

2. Examine the tires.

Worn tires don’t offer traction in snow, so check the tread and wear and replace if they’re going bald. And remember to check tire pressure regularly; it can drop in cold weather. Be sure to keep tires correctly inflated to improve traction.

“Also consider the age of tires,” Sappington recommends. “A low-mileage vehicle can still have tires that have exceeded the life span for safe use,” which can lead to blowouts.

3. Test the brakes.

Have your brakes tested to help ensure that they’re fully functional for winter driving conditions.

4. Check your battery.

Make sure terminals are corrosion-free and that cables are intact. Get the battery tested if it is more than three years old.

5. Inspect exhaust systems.

A faulty exhaust system can lead to deadly carbon monoxide leaks, especially in the winter when windows are closed and vehicles run in idle to warm up.

Even without exhaust leaks, beware of idling your vehicle in tight spaces such as inside a garage or up against a snow bank. “It can make this situation even worse,” warns Sappington.

6. Keep your vision clear.

Inspect wiper blades to see that they’re in good condition and that the washer nozzles are unplugged.

“Have your dealer add a Volkswagen approved additive to your washer fluid,” says Sappington. “It prevents freezing on the windshield and won’t damage wipers.”

7. Test the lights.

Check out turn signals, brake lights and emergency flashers. Make sure headlights are working properly and aligned correctly.

8. Schedule routine maintenance.

If your vehicle is due for regular maintenance, bring it in now for service.

“Authorized Volkswagen dealers will do a complimentary multipoint inspection as part of any service call,” says Sappington. All your vehicle’s important systems and components will get a thorough winter check.