Best Practices for Cold Weather Driving – Plus, How to Take Advantage of VW Carefree Maintenance The Midwest plays host to some of the most severe and unpredictable weather in the country. Our hot and humid days are pure scorchers. Our winters bring ice, snow, and sub-zero temps. For KC residents, this means preparing your vehicle for not one, but two seasons of extreme weather. To ensure you have all your bases covered, review the following winter Volkswagen maintenance tips and best practices. Drivers who bought their Volkswagen within the past two years should take advantage of the VW carefree maintenance services, which they can check using the myVW app. #1 - Check Your Battery Cold weather puts a strain on your car's battery, especially if the temperature is below freezing. First, clean any corrosion that has built up on the battery’s terminals. Next, check the battery using a car battery testing kit. If your car battery is reaching the end of its lifespan, replace it before the cold weather ramps up. #2 - Inspect Your Tires Driving with tires that are low on tread is incredibly risky, especially if there’s snow or ice on the ground. Before the worst of winter kicks in, inspect your tires to ensure they can handle the rigors of cold weather driving. You can do this yourself using the tried-and-true penny trick. Simply insert a penny head-first into the tread groove of your tire; if you see all or most of Lincoln’s head, it means your tread is low, and your tires must be replaced. If Lincoln’s head is covered, it means your tires are in good shape for the time being. #3 – Inspect Your Wiper Blades Winter weather is tough on wiper blades, especially during ice storms. Be sure to check the condition of your wiper blades before winter ramps up. If there are chunks of rubber missing from the blade, or if they’re leaving streaks behind, it means it’s time for a replacement. Consider choosing a winter windshield wiper blade, as they have an extra layer of synthetic rubber for durability. #4 – Top Off All Fluids One very important item on the Volkswagen maintenance checklist pertains to fluids. Vehicle owners should check: Transmission fluid Antifreeze Oil Brake fluid Windshield washer fluid Those who have VW carefree maintenance have fluid check and top off service included under their warranty. #5 – Check the Heating System Test the car's heating system before cold weather arrives to ensure it’s in good working order. Check all vents to confirm sufficient hot air is coming through, including vents in the backseat. #6 – Check the Defroster System Verify the front and rear window defrosters are working correctly. Properly functioning defrosters help maintain clear visibility by preventing window fog and melting ice build-up after inclement weather. #7 – Check All Lights Check all exterior lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazard lights. You can visit a VW dealership near you for bulb replacements. They are typically a quick and easy fix. #8 – Familiarize Yourself with the Different Driving Modes Late model VW vehicles come with different driving modes to customize the behind-the-wheel experience. When engaged in Snow Mode, your vehicle signals the transmission to upshift earlier in its power cycle, resulting in better traction during snowy and slick conditions. #9 – Prepare an Emergency Kit Volkswagen vehicles are outfitted with some of the most advanced safety and intelligent driver assistance features in the automotive industry. However, it’s never a bad idea to prepare for worst-case scenarios, which is why we recommended assembling an emergency kit. Make sure to include blankets, gloves, a flashlight, snow shovel, ice scraper, non-perishable food, and a first aid kit. If you plan on any winter road trips, make your emergency kit a priority item. #10 – Always Practice Safe Driving Habits Most winter driving accidents are preventable. When behind the wheel of your VW, make sure to employ safe driving habits, such as: Driving at reduced speeds Driving defensively Increasing following distance when behind other vehicles Avoiding abrupt maneuvers Gently braking and accelerating How to Learn More About Volkswagen Maintenance and Scheduling Service VW owners who wish to learn more about recommended winter services should reach out to the Volkswagen service center at their local dealership. The service center can retrieve your records and tell you what your vehicle needs. Drivers can also check on vehicle service history and their maintenance schedule using the myVW app. If you bought a used Volkswagen for sale, it’s important that you get your vehicle checked out before winter ramps up, too. A good first step is to schedule a vehicle inspection with the VW service department. Based upon their findings, they will recommend the most essential maintenance services to ensure your used VW is ready for another Kansas City winter. For questions or to arrange an appointment, please reach out to the team at VW Lee’s Summit, conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave. in Lee’s Summit. You can also reach out to this dealership by phone at (816) 841-7252.
