How to Prep a Car for Winter

Winter brings to mind warm family gatherings, fun festivities, and, unfortunately, unpredictable road conditions in Omaha. This year, prepare for the turn in the weather ahead of time by performing winter car maintenance that will keep you and your car safe on the road this season! Learn how to prep a car for winter and some extra winter car prep tips with this guide from Schworer Volkswagen’s service team. Any questions? Feel free to reach out to our service center at any time and we’ll be happy to give recommendations for prepping your car for the cold!

Winter Car Prep Tips

Give yourself the gifts of confidence and peace of mind when you have preventative winter maintenance done on your vehicle! Follow these winter car prep tips to ensure you and your family stay safe on the Kearney roads:

• Consider winter tires: If you live in an area with heavy amounts of snow and ice, winter tires may be a winter essential. Winter tires are specially designed to provide your vehicle with extra grip and control, even in inclement weather.
• Check your tire pressure:As the temperature begins to dip, your tires may start deflating. Add regular tire pressure checks into your routine to ensure you keep your tires at their recommended level, ensuring you have the best traction on Bellevue roads.
• Check your brakes:Icy and wet roads are rust-builders. Check your brakes and wheel wells regularly, as this rust can reduce your brake performance.
• Check your battery: Before it gets too cold, run a test on your battery and check all the connections. Cold weather makes it harder for your car to start, so keeping an eye on your battery performance will keep you from needing a jump in the cold!
• Change your oil: Engine performance relies heavily on having good engine oil. Cold weather naturally thickens up the oil in your tank, so start the season fresh with an oil change.
• Check your fluid levels: While having your oil changed, be sure to check that all the fluids, such as coolant, antifreeze, and wiper fluid, are topped off. If you need any fluids, feel free to order them from our parts center.
• Check your heater: Don’t let a winter pass with you freezing behind the wheel, have your heating system checked before you suffer cold, miserable commutes through Lincoln!
• Keep gas in the tank: An empty tank allows moisture to build up and leads to diluted fuel and more strain on your vehicle’s fuel pump and other parts. An empty, or mostly empty, gas tank can begin to build up moisture, which will dilute your fuel and put a strain on your engine. Keep your tank as full as you can throughout the season.

Schedule Your Winter Maintenance at Schworer Volkswagen!

Use this checklist to perform your own winter maintenance or bring it into Schworer Volkswagen’s service department and have the experts perform the checks and replacements for you! Easily schedule service online and check out our rotating service specials to save on your visit. Don’t wait until the roads are icy and snow is piling up– stop into Schworer Volkswagen’s service department today!