The first lake-effect squall arrives fast. Scheduling Subaru service in October beats finding a dead battery in a frozen parking lot. Three areas account for most cold-weather trouble.
Tread Depth Is the Number That Matters Most
Traction on snow and slush falls off once tread reaches roughly 5/32 inch, well before the 2/32 inch legal minimum. Pressure drops too, about 1 psi for every 10-degree decline, which leaves a tire set at 32 psi in September reading 28 psi by Thanksgiving. Visit our service center to check your tread depth and make sure your tires are set for snowy roads.
Cold Weather Exposes a Tired Battery
Chemical output drops, and a battery that cranked in August can struggle. A load test helps determine if your battery is in good condition going into the coldest months of the year. Have the terminals cleaned, since corrosion adds resistance when you need every amp.
Check Fluids According to Your Schedule
For many gasoline-powered Subaru models, engine oil and the filter are replaced every 6,000 miles or six months, while brake fluid is generally replaced every 30 months or 30,000 miles. Coolant runs much longer, with a first replacement at 11 years or 137,500 miles and every six years or 75,000 miles afterward. Top off washer fluid with a winter-rated formula, because road salt coats a windshield faster than rain. Because intervals vary by model, powertrain, driving conditions, and model year, consult your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
Book Fall Service at Zeigler Subaru of Schererville
Winter driving is easier when seasonal maintenance is completed early. Zeigler Subaru of Schererville staffs factory-trained technicians who work from the schedule written for your exact mileage. Visit our Subaru service center, and we’ll make sure you face winter with confidence.
