
As the leaves change colour and the temperature drops, it's time to start preparing your Audi for winter. Even though Audi's quattro all-wheel drive system makes the cars virtually made for winter, some preparation is necessary to ensure they can take on any natural forces thrown their way. Here are a few tips on how to get your Audi ready for winter.
Check Your Winter Tires
The first and most crucial tip is to check your winter tires to see if they are still good. If you're not sure how old your winter tires are, take a look at the DOT code on the sidewall of the tire. The first two numbers represent the week of manufacture, and the last two numbers represent the year. For example, if the code on your tire says "1419," that means it was manufactured in the 14th week of 2019.
If your winter tires are more than six years old, it's time to replace them with new ones. Even if they look like they're in good condition, they might not perform as well as they should in cold temperatures and icy conditions.
Check Your Battery
The next thing you should do is check your battery. Cold weather can significantly impact your battery's performance, and you don't want to be stranded in a parking lot with a dead battery. To check your battery, open the hood of your car and remove the negative cable from the terminal. Then, use a voltmeter or multimeter to test the voltage of your battery. If it's 12.4 volts or higher, your battery is in good condition and doesn't need to be replaced.
Change Your Wiper Blades and Your Oil
Another quick and easy way to prepare your Audi for winter is to change your wiper blades. With rubber being so susceptible to cold weather, it's best to switch them out every six months or so. Additionally, you should also get an oil change before winter arrives. This will help keep your engine running smoothly and prevent any potential issues down the road.
Check All Your Vehicle's Fluids
Finally, you should also be thinking about checking all your vehicle's fluids--not just the oil. This includes things like windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and coolant/antifreeze levels. It's also a good idea to have our certified technicians look at things like your belt(s), hoses, brakes, and lights--basically anything that could cause problems while driving in cold weather or treacherous conditions.
Preparing your Audi for winter doesn't have to be a daunting task--just follow these simple tips, and you'll be ready to hit the road when the snow starts falling! And if you're ever unsure about something or need some assistance, our team here at Glenmore Audi is always happy to help out however we can. Safe travels this winter!