Midwest winter weather can be a hassle-but we’ve got you covered! We’re committed to keeping your vehicle in great condition, as well as keeping your vehicle safe for you and your loved ones! Be sure to follow these helpful tips from Patrick Volvo Cars for the winter months ahead!
• Battery: Batteries are susceptible to the cold and you risk the potential of failure if your battery is weak. Consider replacing your battery if it’s more than 3 years old, but be sure to check your battery regularly. Be vigilant- if you hear, or notice something off, make sure to get it in to our service department for a diagnostic check!
• Fluids: Check and top off all your fluids-ensure your antifreeze has the correct 50:50 coolant-to-water ratio and fill your washer fluid with a formula rated for freezing temperatures.
• Belts and hoses: Inspect your belts and hoses, as the cold weather can make them brittle and prone to breakage. Give us a call-it’s always better to be safe if you’re not sure!
• Change your oil: Cold weather can thicken the oil in your engine, and that can cause improper circulation. Keeping up with your regularly scheduled oil changes is super important for the health of your car. Some experts recommend using a thinner oil during the winter months, however, make sure to talk to your Patrick Volvo Cars service advisor if you have any questions or concerns.
Tires and visibility
• Tires: Low temperature means your tire pressure drops, make sure to regularly check your tire pressure to ensure they are at recommended psi for the weather! For the winter it’s imperative that your tire tread is good, especially with the snow and ice reducing stopping distance. Talk to your Volvo service advisor to see what the right fit is for your vehicle.
• Wiper blades: Replace worn or damaged wiper blades for better visibility and, to prevent freezing, make sure your washer fluid is winter-specific.
• Lights: Ensure all your exterior lights are working. Shorter days and longer nights make proper lighting crucial for visibility.
• Heater and defroster: The heater and defroster are huge for passenger comfort and driver visibility. Your air conditioner needs to be functional as well to ensure proper defrost operation. If your windows are fogging up in the winter, it’s important to get it checked out to ensure proper visibility and safety.
• Brakes: As stopping distances increase on icy roads, be sure to have your brake pads inspected for wear. Talk with your service advisor on when and if your brake pads need to be replaced. The cold doesn’t wait, so make sure to talk to your Volvo service advisor to see what the right fit is for your vehicle.
Emergency preparedness
• Emergency kit: Pack an emergency kit with essentials like jumper cables, a blanket, a flashlight, an ice scraper, and some non-perishable snacks. Make sure you are educated on how to jump start your vehicle if need be, as well. Getting stuck on a cold night with no backup plan is worst case scenario, so make sure you’re prepared!
• Clean up: The road salt can cause the undercarriage to rust, so be sure to regularly go to a touchless car wash to ensure that the road salt doesn’t damage the paint or cause any rust to your vehicle!
Make sure your Volvo is ready to tackle the winter months with confidence. By following these maintenance tips, you can enhance your vehicle’s safety, performance, and longevity. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Patrick Volvo Car's service center. Be safe out there!
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