Winter in Maryland can sneak up fast. One week you're enjoying crisp fall drives, and the next you're scraping ice off the windshield before work. A few simple steps now can help your Volkswagen start reliably and provide confident stopping performance all season long. The service team at Volkswagen of Fallston in Fallston, MD, offers this handy checklist to help you get ready.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather makes it harder for your battery to deliver power, and a battery that struggled last summer may not survive the first freezing morning. Ask a technician to test your battery before temperatures drop. We can also clean any corrosion from the terminals. Our technicians, serving the Baltimore Metro, can replace a weak battery before it leaves you stranded.
Check Your Tires
Good tread is a good defense on snow and slush. Check your tread depth and look for uneven wear. Tire pressure drops as the air cools, so check it often throughout the season. If you drive many back roads or commute early in the morning, consider a set of winter tires for better grip. Volkswagen of Fallston, serving Bel Air, can recommend the right tires for your Volkswagen.
Refresh Wipers and Washer Fluid
Road salt and slush can coat your windshield in seconds. Replace wiper blades that streak or skip and fill your reservoir with a winter-blend washer fluid that won't freeze.
Inspect Fluids and Coolant
Your coolant protects the engine from freezing as well as overheating. Make sure it's at the proper level and mixed correctly. It's also a good time to check your oil and brake fluid. Volkswagen of Fallston, serving Abingdon, can handle all of this during a single visit.
Test Your Heater and Defroster
A working defroster keeps your windows clear on frosty mornings. If your heat takes too long to warm up or your windows stay foggy, ask a technician to inspect the system.
Build a Winter Emergency Kit
Keep a few essentials in your vehicle in case you get stuck:
- An ice scraper and snow brush
- A blanket and warm gloves
- A flashlight and phone charger
- Bottled water and snacks
- Jumper cables
Schedule Your Winter Service
Don't wait for the first flakes to fall. Volkswagen of Fallston, serving Forest Hill, can inspect all your essentials in one convenient appointment. Contact our service team today to get your Volkswagen ready for winter.