Winter Car Prep: Ensure Your Audi or VW is Ready for the Cold
Winter is just around the corner, and for Audi and VW owners, that means it’s time to start prepping your vehicle for the colder months ahead.
Ensuring that your car is winter-ready will not only keep you safe on the road but also help avoid costly repairs that can arise from harsh weather conditions.
At Reflex Tuning, we’ve compiled a list of key areas you should focus on as you gear up for winter driving, including snow tire recommendations, battery care, alignment checks, and fluid maintenance.
1. Snow Tires: Your First Line of Defense
One of the most crucial components of winter driving is having the right tires. Regular all-season tires won’t provide the necessary grip on icy or snow-covered roads. Winter tires are specifically designed to handle cold temperatures, ice, and snow, ensuring better traction and control.
Top Snow Tire Recommendations for Audi & VW:
- Michelin X-Ice Snow: Known for its long-lasting performance and superior grip in icy conditions. It’s a solid choice for both Audi and VW models, providing safety without sacrificing comfort.
- Bridgestone Blizzak LM001: A popular option that excels in deep snow and slushy roads. The Blizzak WS90 is a fantastic tire for both performance and everyday driving in harsh winter conditions.
- Continental VikingContact 7: This tire offers a great balance between excellent winter performance and low rolling resistance, improving fuel efficiency during those colder months.
Don’t wait until the snow starts falling—get your winter tires installed early to avoid the rush and ensure your safety.
Did you know we offer seasonal tire and wheel storage?
1. Reflex Tuning Undercoating: For All Customers & All Vehicles
Undercoating adds an important layer that doesn’t rust to the underside of your Audi or VW. This keeps it from rusting and makes it last longer, especially in New Hampshire’s harsh winters.
We only use high-quality New Hampshire Oil Undercoating (NHOU) products and only put them in places that are likely to rust. Undercoating raises the worth of a used car, and our New Vehicle Service protects brand-new cars in every way. For oil-based products, you may need to touch them up once a year. NHOU Boss Wax, on the other hand, protects somewhat permanently.
3. Battery Check: Power Through the Cold
Cold weather is notorious for draining car batteries faster. The last thing you want is to be stuck in freezing temperatures with a dead battery. As temperatures drop, your battery’s power decreases, and it requires more energy to start your vehicle.
To avoid this, have your battery checked before winter sets in. At Reflex Tuning, we offer comprehensive battery diagnostics to ensure it’s in good health. If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to avoid unexpected issues during the colder months.
4. Wheel Alignment: Stability Matters
Proper wheel alignment is essential all year round, but it’s especially critical in winter. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, poor handling, and even reduced traction, which is dangerous on slippery roads.
Before the first snow hits, have your alignment checked and adjusted if necessary. This will not only improve your car’s handling but also ensure your winter tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan.
5. Fluids and Antifreeze: Keep Everything Running Smoothly
During winter, your vehicle’s fluids need to be topped off and optimized for colder temperatures. Key fluids to check include:
- Brake Fluid: Winter driving can be tough on brakes, so ensure your brake fluid is at the right level and hasn’t absorbed moisture, which can affect performance. Brake fluid has a 2-year maintenance interval, due to the possibility of it freezing as it ages
- Windshield Washer Fluid: Use washer fluid designed for low temperatures to avoid freezing in the lines. You’ll need this to keep your windshield clear of snow and ice buildup.
- Finally, check your antifreeze (coolant) levels and condition. This prevents your engine from freezing during extreme cold spells and keeps it running at the right temperature. If your coolant hasn’t been changed in a while, now’s the perfect time to do so. Coolant should be serviced every 50,000 miles or 4 years.
- Remote Car Starters: A New England Must-Have!
Keep your Audi or VW comfortable year-round with a remote starter
A must-have for New Hampshire’s changing seasons! Start your car with your factory key fob or the convenient mobile app, allowing you to control your vehicle’s climate, lock, unlock, and even track its location from anywhere. Contact us today for an estimate or to book your appointment.
Bonus Tip: Keep an Emergency Kit Handy
While preparing your car mechanically for winter is essential, having an emergency kit in your vehicle can be a lifesaver in case of unforeseen circumstances. A well-stocked kit should include:
- Blankets or thermal sleeping bags
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snowbrush
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Snacks and bottled water
Winter in New England can be tough, but with proper car prep, your Audi or VW will be ready to take on whatever the season throws at it.
Whether it’s installing the right snow tires or checking your battery, alignment, and fluids, a little preparation goes a long way. At Reflex Tuning, we specialize in winter maintenance for Audi and VW vehicles, ensuring your car is safe, reliable, and ready for winter driving.
