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How to Properly Prepare Your Audi for Winter

 

Winter is a demanding season for your vehicle, especially if you live in an area where temperatures drop drastically and snow is plentiful. However, with the right preparation and the right team to assist you, your Audi will be ready to face anything this winter. Here are some tips to properly prepare your Audi for the cold season.

 

Check if You Need New Winter Tires

  • Wear Indicator: Modern tires come with built-in wear indicators. These small bumps or bars are located in the tire grooves. When the tread wears down to the same level as these indicators, it means your tires are no longer suitable. It's then time to replace them to ensure optimal grip on slippery roads.
  • Tread Depth: Use a depth gauge or, alternatively, the 25-cent coin technique to check the tread depth. If the depth is less than 5 mm, your tires will not provide adequate traction throughout the winter. Good grip is essential to avoid skidding on snowy or icy roads.
  • Last Winter's Performance: Think about how your tires performed under the previous winter conditions. If you noticed they struggled to grip the road, especially around bends or during braking, it could indicate significant wear. Additionally, if you felt vibrations or heard unusual noises, it might be a sign that your tires are damaged or unevenly worn.

 

Install Winter Tires

In Ontario, there is no official date for installing winter tires. However, summer or all-season tires start to lose their efficiency when temperatures drop below 7°C. With the first snowfalls often being unpredictable, it's better to be prepared. Ideally, install your winter tires between late October and early November. It's essential to note the importance of winter tires, even if they aren't mandatory.

 

Service and Clean Your Vehicle

Before winter truly sets in, it's the perfect time for a complete vehicle check-up. This includes checking fluids, brakes, the battery, and heating and defrosting systems. A well-maintained vehicle is more reliable and safer on winter roads. Moreover, a thorough cleaning, both inside and out, will protect your Audi from the corrosive effects of salt, mud, and snow.

 

Consider Winter Protection Products and Accessories

  1. Paint Protection:Protective films can be applied to shield your vehicle's paint from small rocks and other debris.
  2. Winter Mats: They safeguard your vehicle's interior from water, mud, and salt.
  3. Winter Wiper Blades: Designed to withstand freezing and snow, they ensure better visibility.
  4. Winter Wheels: They protect your original wheels and might even allow you to opt for smaller, more economical winter tires.

 

Prepare a Survival Kit

It's always a good idea to have a survival kit in your vehicle, especially during winter. Consider including blankets, water, phone chargers, battery chargers, traction aids, sand, and other items that will help you get out of a snowbank, ensure your phone works to call for help, and spend a few hours in your car without getting cold.

By following these steps, you'll ensure that your Audi is ready to safely face the winter. Take the time to prepare your vehicle thoroughly, and you'll be able to drive with confidence, even in the most challenging conditions.

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