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Autumn in Utah — and all of its beautiful colors — has been quickly replaced with snow along the Wasatch Front. Winter is here, and so are everyone's not-so-favorite driving conditions. Fresh snow is beautiful, but it can be tough on your car and tricky to drive in, as evidenced by the 189 crashes during Utah's first major snowstorm last year.
But it's not all doom and gloom. With just a few simple steps, you can be ready for whatever weather comes down the pike over the next six months. With the help of the experts at Volkswagen SouthTowne, here are six ways to make sure your vehicle is winter-ready:
Make sure tires are in good condition
The best friend you can have when driving in cold, snowy, and even icy conditions, is a good set of tires and their proper inflation, wear and tread patterns. "Tires make a huge difference," says Shane Botelho, service manager at Volkswagen SouthTowne. "No matter what car you're driving — be it an SUV like the Atlas or a sedan like the Jetta — having good tires with the right amount of tread, or even winter tires when appropriate, can make it so you can weather nearly any storm."
If your tires are worn out, or designed for seasons other than winter, your vehicle's handling, stopping and acceleration are going to suffer. "If you need new tires we're offering our famous 'Buy three tires get one for only $1 sale this month,' said Botelho. "This sale gives customers the chance to get the tires they need to be ready for winter at a big discount."
Increase the longevity of your tires
If your tires are in good condition, then make sure they're properly inflated. Cold weather can cause your tires to be underinflated, which will reduce the control you have over your car. If you need help inflating your tires, most places that sell tires will do it for free. Want to do it yourself? Check the manufacturer's inflation specifications found in your owner's manual and on a sticker usually found on the driver's side front door jam.
If it's been more than 5,000 miles since your last tire rotation, make sure to get them rotated. Regular tire rotations ensure even wear and increase the tire's longevity. Many shops, including Volkswagen SouthTowne, offer a fall inspection that allows you to get a tire rotation and full performance check for under $20 to make sure you're ready for winter.
Lastly, Motor Trend suggests that money spent on winter tires might be the best money you spend all year. Winter tires are made of winter-specific rubber compounds that provide drastically improved handling, stopping, and power delivery in cold and snowy conditions over all-season tires. No matter the drive type of your car, winter tires are a worthwhile investment to make sure you're ready for any weather conditions the winter months throw at you.
Have your brakes inspected
Motor Biscuit explains that reliable stopping power is essential, especially in the winter, which is why it's so important to make sure your car's brakes are up to snuff. In fact, since it's harder to slow and stop on icy roads, your car's brakes have to work harder than during normal conditions to operate correctly. This means your brakes can wear out much faster during winter than summer.
On your next oil change, have the shop or dealership look over your brakes to ensure plenty of life is left in your brake pads, the rotors aren't showing signs of warpage, and your brake fluid reservoir is clean and topped off.
Replace old windshield wipers and fill your washer fluid
Not being able to see when the snow starts to fly is an issue. If your windshield wipers are not effectively clearing off rain or snow, Road and Track recommend that it's best to replace them with new ones. Also, be sure to top off your windshield washer fluid. You'll never use more washer fluid than in winter, so making sure there's plenty in the tank is a good idea. Pro tip: some windshield washer fluids freeze below certain temperatures. Make sure yours is rated for the cold temperatures of Utah to help keep your windshield clear even in the worst storms.
Keep emergency items handy
Utah weather can change in minutes, so it's best to prepare for the worst. Consumer Reports recommends keeping a few emergency items in your car, like a flashlight, gloves, warm clothing, collapsible shovel, ice scraper, snacks, and blankets.
While it is unlikely you'll get stranded for too long along Utah's well-plowed roads, it's best to be ready should the unexpected occur.
Check your lights
Winter has the shortest days of the year, and no one wants to travel down a dimly lit road when the snow starts to fly. If your headlights are dim, it's time to replace them. Consider an upgrade to a higher lumen rating or even an LED headlight if possible.
And don't forget the other lights on your vehicle. Working brake lights, tail lights and signal lights are vital to your safety. Driving in a snowstorm a vehicle without lights can be almost invisible.
Of course, sometimes the best thing you can do to be ready for winter is to drive a new, safe car. During their popular "Deflation Sale," Volkswagen SouthTowne is selling all vehicles at least $500 under the manufacturer's suggested retail price right now, so you know you're getting a good deal. Visit https://www.vwsouthtowne.com/ to see their inventory.
