Winter in Pennsylvania means snow, ice, and freezing temperatures — all of which can create challenging conditions for your Subaru. But with a few simple steps, you can keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely all season long. Whether you're planning daily commutes or weekend adventures, prepping your car now will ensure you're ready for whatever winter throws at you.
Check Your Tires
Snow Covered Car Body with Emblem by Erik Mclean is licensed with Pexels License
Checking your tires is one of the most important steps in preparing your Subaru for winter. Winter roads demand extra grip and stability, especially when the surface is slick with ice or snow. To gauge your tire's tread depth, try the "penny test." Insert a penny into the tire groove with Lincoln's head facing down — if you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a replacement. Consider upgrading to winter tires for maximum traction. They stay flexible in cold temperatures and offer superior control on snowy roads.
Test Tire Pressure
Cold air can cause the pressure in your tires to decrease by about 1 psi for every 10-degree temperature drop. Underinflated tires wear out more quickly, reduce fuel efficiency, and make it harder to maintain control on icy or wet roads. Once winter hits, check your tire pressure regularly with a tire gauge. Keep it at the manufacturer-recommended psi, which you can typically find in your owner's manual or on the driver's side door panel. Properly inflated tires will keep your Subaru stable and safe during winter.
Inspect the Battery
Batteries take a hit during cold weather, which means you could be unable to start your car on especially chilly mornings. Low temperatures slow down chemical reactions within your battery, reducing its charge capacity. To avoid getting stranded, have your battery tested before winter begins. If it struggled during summer or is over three years old, consider replacing it before winter sets in. Corroded cables and terminals should be cleaned or replaced. A healthy battery keeps your Subaru running smoothly through freezing days and nights.
Use the Right Oil
The type of oil in your Subaru can make a big difference to how your engine performs in winter weather. Cold temperatures cause thicker oil to flow more slowly, making it harder for your engine to start and operate efficiently. More lightweight oils flow more easily in freezing conditions, helping the engine turn over more efficiently when starting up in sub-zero temperatures. Check your Subaru owner's manual for recommendations on which oil is best to use during winter months. Swapping out your oil entirely before winter could mean smoother starts and improved performance during extremely cold weather.
Top Off Coolant
Coolant helps regulate engine temperature. During winter, it also prevents engine fluids from freezing. You'll want to check both the coolant level and its mixture — your Subaru's ratio of antifreeze to water should be around 50/50 for optimal protection against freezing temperatures. If it's been a while since you checked, top off or flush and refill based on what's recommended in your vehicle manual. Ensuring your coolant system works properly helps avoid overheating or freezing, which could leave you stranded on the side of the road.
Replace Windshield Wipers
Effective windshield wipers are crucial when driving through snow, sleet, or ice. If your wiper blades leave streaks or seem worn out, replace them with winter-specific blades built to handle icy conditions. You'll also want to refill your washer fluid with a freeze-resistant formula that can withstand cold temperatures without turning into a block of ice inside the reservoir. Keeping extra windshield washer fluid in your vehicle can be a lifesaver when visibility gets rough from road salt and snow buildup while driving.
Keep Fluids Full
Fluids such as brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are just as important as oil in keeping your Subaru running smoothly through winter weather. Cold temperatures can affect the thickness and performance of these fluids, potentially leading to issues such as brake failure or difficulty steering if left unchecked. Before winter hits, ask the professionals at our service department to inspect all of your vehicle's fluids and top off anything that's low.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Subzero temperatures can cause serious wear and tear on crucial components such as belts and hoses. Cold weather hardens these parts, making them more prone to cracking or breaking under stress. Visually checking belts and hoses before winter hits allows you to spot early signs of wear, such as fraying or cracks. Look especially closely at areas near joints where stress is higher. Replacing them early prevents sudden breakdowns when you need reliability most.
Check Your Brakes
Your brakes are always essential for safe driving, but they matter even more than usual when roads get icy or snow-packed. If you hear squealing noises while braking or feel vibrations when coming to a stop, inspect them immediately at our service department. Cold weather can make brake pads lose effectiveness over time due to increased wear from salt and moisture buildup on roads — issues that create dangerous conditions if not addressed quickly.
Pack a Winter Emergency Kit
Even if you've prepped every part of your Subaru for winter weather, emergencies still happen occasionally, and addressing them quickly starts with having an emergency kit onboard at all times throughout the colder months. Include items such as blankets, flashlights, jumper cables, snacks, an ice scraper/snow brush combo tool, and other items for specific needs — recovery tools work wonders if you're stuck.
Getting Your Subaru Winter-Ready
Pennsylvania winters can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, your Subaru will be more than capable of handling any challenges ahead. From checking your tires to inspecting your battery, each step in this winter prep helps ensure a safer, smoother drive.
If you need assistance, our experts at Ciocca Subaru of York are here to help with everything from service specials to routine maintenance. Schedule your service today or contact us with any questions. The road ahead may be icy, but your Subaru will be ready.
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