Volvo Winter Service & Maintenance Guide

As a Volvo owner, you already know that you drive one of the most reliable luxury vehicles on the road. However, that reliability depends on keeping up with its maintenance — and that’s never more important than immediately before winter hits. For a lot of reasons, the colder months are particularly harsh on any vehicle in the Pittsburgh area, so it’s important to make sure everything is in full working order. Let’s take a look at what specifically needs to be checked and serviced on your Volvo to keep it ready to drive safely during this coming winter.

Why Does My Volvo Vehicle Need Winter Maintenance?

Cold and freezing temperatures affect your Volvo in several ways, some of which you may have observed at some point. One of the more prominent examples is the pressure in your tires, as the cold air compresses molecules — and expands the line at the nearest air pump. You may have also become frustrated by the way your windshield wipers clean the dirt and slush kicked up by the vehicles around you. Other changes are a little less obvious, like ones impacting the battery (or batteries, as the case may be), engine oil, brakes, and all-wheel drive systems. Addressing these things as early as possible is both smart and safe, and nobody is better able to help than the factory-trained professionals at Germain Volvo Cars North Hills. Scheduling a winter maintenance inspection with us is the best way to make sure you’re ready for the short days ahead.

Caring For Your Volvo All Year Long

Just as winter has an effect on your Volvo, so does the eventual spring thaw and subsequent warmer temperatures. So, once you find yourself rolling down your windows on your drives around Pittsburgh, it’s time to take care of spring maintenance. Be sure to check back in with us to make sure that you’re still ready to roll.

1. Inspect Your Tires

As the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the often-slick roads inherent to a Pittsburgh winter, it’s essential that your tires are ready to transport you safely. For many, that might include changing to a set of specialized winter tires, though all-season tires in good condition can do the job as well. Be sure to check your tread depth, as well as the entire surface for damage. And, of course, make sure there’s enough air in them, since for every temperature decrease of ten degrees, they typically lose one PSI of air pressure.

2. Test Your Battery

If your battery is already weak, the cold weather can finish it off, often leading to a Volvo that won’t start at an inconvenient time. Getting your battery professionally tested can help avoid this hassle and, along with regular replacement every three years, can help ensure that you don’t get stranded.

Electric vehicles have a unique set of battery considerations, including the need to precondition them before charging or driving, as well as impacts on their expected range. Germain Volvo Cars North Hills can help you get ready for winter no matter which powertrain runs your vehicle.

3. Check Your Brakes

While a lot of ensuring safety on Pittsburgh’s infamously hilly roads falls to your tires, the brakes on your Volvo are vitally important as well. They’re used a little bit extra in the winter, whether from moderating speed on a descent or avoiding sudden issues on the road. On top of that, road salt can corrode brake lines, calipers, pads, and rotors, so making sure they’re ready to go is essential.

4. Top Off or Replace Oil and Other Fluids

Make sure that the engine in your Volvo is properly lubricated for demanding cold-weather conditions by getting an oil change to a winter-optimized formula. Additionally, things like antifreeze, washer fluid, and drivetrain fluids (particularly if they haven’t been a part of your regular maintenance routine) should be checked as well.

5. Inspect Your Heating and Defrosting Systems

This is typically a quick check, though an important one, given how heavily the climate systems in your Volvo will be used during the winter and their role in both comfort and safety. Obviously, any issues or irregularities should be promptly investigated and fixed.

6. Replace Your Wiper Blades

The windshield wipers on your Volvo receive quite a workout during the winter, not only when snow is falling, but even in mostly dry conditions when cleaning off road dirt or helping your defroster along. Putting a fresh set of wiper blades on before winter starts can help avoid plenty of annoyance later and help ensure that they’re working well.

7. Clean Your Volvo Frequently

Once winter starts, make sure that you wash your vehicle as often as possible, particularly after snowstorms, as road salt and de-icer can build up on your underbody and cause corrosion. A quick trip to the car wash on nicer days is one way to keep your Volvo protected against this potential threat.

Schedule a Winter Inspection at Germain Volvo Cars North Hills

Feeling a little overwhelmed? That’s okay! The experts at Germain Volvo Cars North Hills are here to serve drivers from all across Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania as they prepare for the brutal winter ahead. We can help ensure that your checklist is addressed both quickly and thoroughly, allowing you to take on the season safely and with confidence. Schedule your winter inspection today, and get it done before that first massive snowfall.