Winter Warrior: Your Essential 10-Point Audi Winter Car Care Checklist

With standard Quattro all-wheel drive in every Audi vehicle, Audi models are popular among drivers in Bedford who deal with long, cold winters. While the all-wheel drive system plays a crucial role in enhancing performance and safety on the road, it's essential to prepare your vehicle for snow, ice, and cold temperatures in other ways.

1. Install Winter Tires

If your Audi has summer or all-season tires, it's important to replace them with winter tires for the cold weather season. Winter tires are made with a special material and have a unique tread pattern. This makes them perform better when the temperature plummets and the roads are covered in snow and ice.

2. Check Tire Tread Wear and Air Pressure

After cold weather sets in, tire air pressure declines. Check the air pressure when the first cold front arrives. The tires should be properly inflated for optimal performance. In addition, conduct a tread test on the tires to minimize the risk of slipping and sliding.

3. Check Fluids

To maintain your vehicle in optimal condition and prevent breakdowns, regularly check the engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant levels. In addition, use a winter-specific wiper fluid that won't freeze.

4. Inspect the Battery

Your car battery's performance is impaired during cold weather conditions. Check the voltage for your battery as a first step. Then, ensure that the cables are connected securely.

5. Replace the Wiper Blades

Visibility is a greater concern on dark, dreary, and damp winter days. If your wiper blades are worn out or squeaking, replace them as part of your seasonal auto maintenance.

6. Check the Lights

Your Audi's lights enhance your visibility on the road and make you more visible to others. Inspect all exterior lights for functionality, including the turning signals and fog lights.

7. Seal the Doors and Locks

Doors and locks can freeze over when they are covered in ice. You can easily prevent this from happening by coating the locks with graphite. Seal the doors with silicone spray.

8. Restock Your Emergency Kit

Even with the best prevention, you might still find yourself stranded in the cold. To prepare for this possibility, stock your vehicle with a thick blanket, road flares, an ice scraper, a shovel, a first-aid kit, extra snow chains, water, and snacks.

9. Review Safe Winter Driving Tips

Safe driving habits are critical when road conditions are hazardous. To stay safer, drive at a reasonable speed, maintain a safe distance from the cars around you, and know how to maneuver if your car begins to slide.

10. Remove Snow and Ice

Snow and ice on windows and mirrors impair visibility, so they need to be clear before you start driving. Use a brush to clear snow off the hood and roof as well. This prevents snow from hitting your windshield while driving.

Schedule Your Winter Service

Our technicians at Audi Bedford can help you stay safer this winter with routine maintenance service and winter tire installation. Schedule your next service with us today.