Breaking down in the middle of winter is inconvenient, and possibly dangerous. Scheduling winter car service with the service department at Rafferty Subaru is one of the best things you can do to minimize that risk.
What is the First Step in Preparing My Car for Winter Driving?
Cars take a beating in winter, and their systems can fail if not properly maintained. The first thing you should do before winter arrives is open your manual and check if your vehicle needs a trip to the service department for routine maintenance recommended by the manufacturer. Winter weather exacerbates existing problems in your car, so getting maintenance and other outstanding service issues addressed is critical to safe driving.
What's Included in a Winter Car Service?
Winter car service at Rafferty Subaru will ensure that your car is ready for colder temperatures and wintry driving conditions. Winter car service includes:
- Testing the battery
- Checking the coolant and antifreeze levels
- Assessing other fluid levels and changing the oil if necessary
- Inspecting the brake pads
- Examining tires - Do they need to be replaced or swapped with snow tires?
- Replacing the wiper blades if necessary
- Topping the wiper fluid with winter blend
- Making sure that lights and heating systems work
Do I Need New Tires for Winter Driving?
Assessing whether you need new tires before winter is important because tires with worn treads can cause you to slide on slippery roads. When you schedule your winter car service at Rafferty Subaru, the service department will assess the condition of your tires. According to USNews.com, you can expect a set of tires to last about six years. Beyond that, you should consider replacing them. You can also check your tires at home. Perform the “penny test” to check the wear of your tires by placing a penny head down between the treads of your tires. If the top of Abe’s head is exposed, it’s time for a new set of tires!
How do you Take Care of Your Car in the Winter?
The service department at Rafferty Subaru has a few suggestions to keep your car in excellent working condition during the winter months. Keeping your gas tank half full and adding fuel de-icer regularly will prevent the fuel from freezing and leaving you stranded. Protect your wiper blades by leaving them in the raised position when you park outside so they don’t freeze to the windshield. Also, don’t use your wipers to clean off snow and ice from your windshield – that can also damage them. Be sure to use your ice scraper instead. To protect the exterior of your car, apply a coat of wax as a protective barrier against damaging salt and moisture in the winter. Also, don’t forget to check tire pressure regularly and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle!
Why is it Important to Wash your Car in the Winter?
You might think you can skip washing your car in winter, but that’s not a good idea. Salt is extremely corrosive and can damage the exterior of your car, the underbody, and the interior too when it gets inside. Not only that, but compacted snow, slush, and dirt on windows, windshield, and wiper blades are hazards to visibility. Take this advice from the Rafferty Subaru service department: Clean your machine as part of your winter car maintenance to make your vehicle look nicer, last longer, and protect you better from harsh winter weather and driving conditions.
What Precautions is the Service Department at Rafferty Subaru Taking to Stay Safe During the Pandemic?
The service department at Rafferty Subaru is taking measures to keep our customers safe during the pandemic. We have developed a non-contact drop-off and pick up process so you can get your winter car service without ever stepping foot in the building. You can use the nighttime drop box for your keys, and our service department will provide updates on service through phone calls, texts, or emails. We also thoroughly sanitize your car so that it is safe to drive when you pick it up. If you do choose to enter the building, know that high-contact surfaces are cleaned regularly and employees are encouraged to wash their hands frequently and stay home when they are feeling sick. In short, Rafferty Subaru cares about our customers, and you can feel safe when you get your winter car service with us.
Contact our service department to schedule your winter car service and get your car ready for winter.
