Winterize your Volvo

Prepare to Winterize Your Volvo

The first step to winterize your Volvo should be to inventory what items you have and make a list of what you need. No one likes having to take multiple trips to the auto parts store, so figuring out in advance what you want to purchase can save a lot of time and frustration.

You might also consider making a budget to go along with your shopping list. Some items discussed in the list below can be expensive, such as four new studded snow tires, but there are often more affordable alternatives. If you don't plan on driving in the snow frequently, it may make more sense to go with these options. 

Cover the Basics

Before you do anything else, take care of a few basic tasks such as washing and waxing your car to help it stand up to harsh weather and ice salt that can be degrading to paint. Purchase an ice scraper if you don't have one, and store some winter gear in your vehicle, such as gloves and a warm hat. 

Check Fluids 

If you own a vehicle, you're already familiar with the different fluids it needs. Depending on how cold you're expecting the weather to get, it is a good idea to consider changing your fluids using winter-safe varieties. Windshield wiper fluid and oil can change consistency in cold conditions, leading to problems with your vehicle. If you're traveling somewhere cold, it is better to be safe than drop money on repairs later. 

Consider New Tires

The condition of your tires is one of the main determining factors in how well your vehicle maneuvers in snowy conditions. Even if you have all-weather tires, you should consider replacing them if they are low on pressure or have worn down too much from use. If you are planning on extreme driving conditions, snow tires or chains to put on your existing tires are another option to look into. 

Examine Brakes

While your brakes are vital anytime you drive, putting extra effort into making sure they are in top condition for winter driving is crucial for safety. Make sure that you can stop effectively, even in slippery conditions, to avoid rear-ending other cars or fishtailing off the road. 

Purchase Wipers 

Wiper blades can degrade over time, making them less effective at removing water or snow from your windshield. Having replacement wipers on hand ensures that you'll be able to switch them away from home if needed. While Burlingame doesn't get much snow, replacement wipers are still a great thing to have on hand to deal with rain. Consider looking into heavy-duty winter options to deal with ice and slush. 

Test Heat 

Having a heater that doesn't work makes driving in the cold miserable. It can also be a safety hazard, as you will be unable to melt ice and blow away any condensation that forms on your window. When you are working to winterize your Volvo, checking that the heater works as it should is straightforward and makes a huge difference; if you notice an issue, visit a mechanic to get it fixed before hitting the road. 

Check Battery

Cold weather is tough on car batteries, and they are much more likely to die in cold weather even if you completely shut down all of the lights and accessories every time you power down the engine. You can test your current battery to determine what condition it is in. If you have an old battery, consider replacing it when it's time to winterize your Volvo. Regardless of whether you decide to replace the battery or not, make sure that you have jumper cables in your vehicle just in case you find yourself stuck somewhere with no power. 

Getting the Most Out of Your Vehicle

Taking the time to properly winterize a vehicle helps it get through cold conditions without unnecessary wear and tear. Even more importantly, it helps keep you and your passengers safe when driving in hazardous conditions. Even if you live somewhere where freezing conditions are rare, like Burlingame, knowing how to winterize your vehicle is a useful skill.