Winterize Your Volvo

California may have mild winters compared to many colder locales, but we still get our fair share of wind, rain and snow, especially if you travel to the mountains or further north. So it is critical to keep up with your Volvo’s maintenance schedule and get winter services completed. Volvo Walnut Creek’s service experts have some tips to help you stay on top of your maintenance needs and stay safer this winter.

 

As winter sets in, it is smart to run a quick checklist on your vehicle to determine if there are any leaks, squeaks, or maintenance items that need to be addressed. It’s a good idea to check that your headlights are working properly and are clear of debris. Inside your Volvo, test your heater and defroster. Of course, you want to stay warm, but a working defroster is essential to keep the windshield clear of ice and fog. Check your wiper blades and consider replacing them if you see wear and tear or streaks on your windshield or if they are more than a year old. 

 

It is always smart to have a survival kit in your trunk (along with a spare tire). While more useful for rural drivers or on trips to the mountain, you never know where you might end up or what could happen, so best to be prepared. Essential kit items include warm clothing and blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, some snacks, a first aid kit, a small shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, a flare, a knife, some sand (for getting out of snow or ice) and a cell phone charger. Survival kits are available from retailers, or you can create your own. Check your kit every six months or so to make sure all items are working and not expired.

 

There are a few key maintenance areas to check on your Volvo before or during winter weather: tires, battery, brakes, and fluids. If you are unsure about any item, bring your Volvo into Volvo Cars Walnut Creek Service to have your Volvo professional inspected.

 

If you have old or worn down tires, now is the time to replace them. While proper tire inflation and pressure is always important, cold temperatures can cause your tire pressure to drop significantly in a short amount of time. Be sure to check your tire pressure after a cold night or before heading out on a long trip. We recommend winter tires, as they are more flexible and provide better traction. But winter tires are a must if you are in an area that regularly drops to below 45 degrees. Speak with the Volvo Service experts at Volvo Walnut Creek to determine whether winter tires are right for you or if it is time to replace your tires.

 

Since cold weather forces batteries to work harder, it is essential to have a strong battery to get through the winter. Get your battery tested at Volvo Walnut Creek to determine if your battery needs charging or replacing. Cranking the heat and using more energy to get through rougher driving conditions will strain a weak battery, potentially leaving you stranded on the side of the road in the cold. Play it safe and have your battery tested.

 

Wet, slippery roads require effective brakes to minimize skidding and the potential for an accident. If your brakes have been squealing, seem less responsive, or it has been some time since your last service, bring your Volvo into Volvo Walnut Creek to have them checked. We can recommend a fix or replacement. 

 

We all know how important it is to change your oil regularly, and winter is no exception. Follow your regular maintenance schedule to keep your engine running smoothly. We do recommend changing it early before any long road trips. We recommend topping up or flushing your coolant/antifreeze, depending on when it was changed last. Just as its name suggests, antifreeze will keep your engine from freezing in frigid temperatures. The Volvo Walnut Creek Service team can help you refill or flush your antifreeze.

 

Some winter days are warm and sunny in Northern California, while the next can be windy and rainy. So be prepared for any weather and avoid the headache, hassle, and potential dangers that come with missed maintenance on your Volvo. The experts at Volvo Cars Walnut Creek Service Center are here to help you prepare for winter driving. Winterize your Volvo now, before a minor issue becomes a major headache, and you will save money and time down the road. 

 

Volvo owners get a range of benefits to help make maintaining your Volvo simple, easy, and accessible. From 24/7 Roadside Assistance to the Volvo On Call app, My Volvo Experience helps keep your mind at ease so that you can focus on what is important to you. Volvo Cars Walnut Creek is proud to provide all of the My Volvo Experience services for you in our state of the art service center. Call us or schedule your service appointment online at Volvo Cars Walnut Creek in Walnut Creek, California.