If you own a Volkswagen Golf, you might be wondering what you can do to prepare it for the winter months. Breaking down in the freezing cold temperatures on the motorway or in the middle of the countryside is exactly what we try to avoid and you can do so by undergoing the proper maintenance for your car. We’ve put together this checklist so that your Golf is ready to take on the challenges of the winter and keep you, your passengers and other drivers safe on the road.
Why does my Volkswagen Golf need maintenance in the winter?
Volkswagen is known as a quality automotive brand and this is particularly evident in their Golf model - iconic and still a popular choice to this day. During the winter months, driving conditions change as the roads become more treacherous - ice and sometimes snow can cause major issues and even some accidents on the road. The Golf is a good choice for winter driving for many reasons:
- Golfs have a low centre of gravity, which means they handle corners much better as they don’t lean. This provides a softer suspension that the driver will barely be able to feel, offering a smoother driving experience
- Some Golf variations are equipped with Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive, which sends torque to the rear wheels for better balance in the snow
- Certain models come equipped with several winter functions, such as heated steering wheel, heated front seats and three-zone air conditioning. This keeps you comfortable at all times of the year, but more so in winter
Things to check on your VW Golf in the winter
Alongside taking your car to the garage, there are several things you can do at home to ensure that your Golf is fully prepared for the winter months:
Check your tyres
As one of the most important features of your car, checking your tyres is paramount. If you’re driving a Golf R, standard tyres perform well in the cooler temperatures. However, if the temperature drops below 4℃, it has been known that winter tyres give your car the ability to handle the snow and still perform well. Whatever tyres you choose for your car, always make sure they are in full working order and aren’t falling below the 3mm threshold. If they are, then it’s best to get them replaced in preparation for the change in conditions.
Check any warning lights
Warning lights can appear at any time on your dashboard and with Volkswagen’s intuitive, built-in diagnostic systems so if they do so in the winter, then it’s important to get them checked. Lights such as the oil level, battery, tyre pressure warnings and the fuel warning light show you that there is something wrong with your car and you need to get it fixed immediately. All of these warnings are particularly prevalent in the winter - suffering a breakdown in the cold temperatures is something you want to avoid and you can do so by making sure that any warnings are checked and fixed.
Check your filters
The filters in your Golf are imperative to ensure your car is in full working order. The filters need to be kept clean so that the air and fluids that are taken in are clean as well. Your filters have an expiry date that is recommended by the manufacturer in the vehicle manual - if they become too clogged and dirty, it can affect your engine’s performance, fuel economy and even the cabin’s air.
Book a Service or MOT
Keep an eye on fluid levels
The fluids that your car relies on to run smoothly can diminish over time and it’s important to keep a close eye on them, especially as you’re coming up to the winter months. Usually, your Golf’s inbuilt monitoring system will warn you when your fluid levels are low, but there’s no harm in checking them yourself. This could include brake fluid, coolant and power steering fluids. If fluids get contaminated or start leaking, it could lead to problems such as overheating or steering. It’s vital to monitor these for your own safety, so that you don’t end up breaking down in the freezing temperatures.
Change the oil regularly
The oil in your car is vital to keep all of the components working smoothly and preventing friction, which can lead to irreparable damage. Your local Volkswagen service centre can advise on which type of oil is suitable for your golf or consult your owner's manual. It’s important that the oil you choose for your car is high-quality and conforms to Volkwagen’s standards. Low-quality oil can lead to quicker engine wear, low performance and costly repairs should something go wrong and need fixing.
Keep your Volkswagen Golf winter-ready with Swansway
Keeping your Golf clean, performing regular maintenance checks and investing in professional services can all aid in ensuring your car is in optimal condition for the winter months and it’s important to keep on top of it to keep yourself and others safe. At Swansway, we offer multiple services to keep your car in top condition, including servicing and MOTs, free tyre checks, free brake checks and other service options. If you’re looking at buying a Volkswagen Golf, you can take a look at our new and used Volkswagen cars to find one that suits you and your needs. If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the vehicles you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.