If you live in a place like Aurora, Colorado, you know that winter isn’t just a season—it’s a whole new driving experience. Cold temperatures, icy roads, and snowstorms can turn your daily drive into a challenge, especially if your Subaru isn’t ready for the conditions. The good news? Subaru vehicles are built for adventure, and with a bit of smart seasonal maintenance, your car can handle winter like a champ.
At Pleiades Automotive, we specialize in Subaru repair and service, and we’ve helped hundreds of drivers confidently prepare for the cold. Whether you’re new to winter driving or just looking for a refresher, here’s how to get your Subaru winter-ready, starting today.
1. Check and Replace Your Battery
Cold weather is tough on car batteries. In fact, battery failure is one of the most common winter car issues. As temperatures drop, your battery’s ability to hold a charge decreases significantly. If your battery is already a few years old or if you’ve noticed slow cranking lately, it may be time to replace it.
For Subaru owners, especially those with turbocharged engines or extra electronics, it’s even more important to have a strong battery that can handle cold starts. A quick battery test at our shop can tell you everything you need to know.
Pro Tip: Don’t wait until your car won’t start in a freezing parking lot. Get your battery checked before the first snowfall.
2. Inspect Your Tires—and Consider Winter Tires
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a big asset in snowy and icy conditions, but even the best AWD system needs proper tires to work effectively.
All-season tires are fine for mild climates, but when winter really hits, they’re no match for dedicated winter tires. Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound and deeper tread patterns to give you more grip, shorter stopping distances, and better control.
Even if you don’t switch to winter tires, make sure your current tires have adequate tread depth (at least 5/32″) and are inflated to the correct pressure—cold air can reduce PSI quickly.
Pro Tip: A set of winter tires can make a night-and-day difference. You’ll feel the improvement in traction immediately.
3. Check Your Fluids (All of Them)
Winter preparation for your Subaru should always include a fluid check. Here’s what to focus on:
- Engine oil: Cold temps can thicken engine oil. If it’s time for an oil change, switch to a winter-grade oil (your owner’s manual or our team can recommend the right viscosity).
- Coolant: Make sure your antifreeze is topped off and mixed at the proper ratio (usually 50/50). This prevents your engine from freezing up on the coldest days.
- Washer fluid: Use a winter-formula washer fluid with a low freezing point to avoid ice build-up on your windshield.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the transmission and differential fluids. At Pleiades Automotive, we offer a complete fluid inspection to ensure your Subaru is protected from bumper to bumper.
4. Test Your Heater and Defroster
A working heater isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety. If your heater or defroster isn’t doing the job, it could compromise your visibility and driving focus.
We see a lot of Subarus in Aurora with clogged cabin air filters, faulty blower motors, or worn-out thermostats that cause poor cabin heating. A simple inspection can uncover hidden issues before they become full-blown problems in the middle of a snowstorm.
Pro Tip: If your windows fog up often or the heat takes forever to kick in, get your HVAC system inspected right away.
5. Examine Your Brakes
Winter roads can be slick, icy, or snow-packed. In these conditions, your braking system needs to be in top shape. If your brakes are making noise, feeling soft, or taking longer to stop, that’s a red flag—especially when roads are slippery.
Our ASE-certified technicians can inspect your Subaru’s brake pads, rotors, and fluid to ensure reliable stopping power in all conditions.
Pro Tip: Brake fade in winter can be caused by moisture in the lines or worn components. Don’t overlook your brake system when preparing for winter driving.
6. Keep an Eye on Wipers and Lighting
Visibility is everything during a snowstorm. Make sure your wiper blades are winter-grade—they’re designed to stay flexible in cold weather and clear heavy snow more effectively.
Also, check your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Snow and salt can dim lenses, and failing bulbs are dangerous in low-visibility conditions.
Pro Tip: Carry an extra set of wipers and spare bulbs in your car. They’re easy to store and can make a big difference in an emergency.
7. Don’t Forget the Undercarriage
Subarus are often driven in areas with heavy road salting during winter. While the vehicle’s AWD system makes it ideal for snowy conditions, salt exposure can accelerate rust on the undercarriage, brake lines, and suspension components.
We recommend getting a pre-winter underbody inspection and, if needed, a rust-preventative coating to help protect critical parts.
Pro Tip: After snowstorms, get your vehicle washed—especially the underside. It helps remove built-up salt and reduces long-term corrosion.
8. Update Your Emergency Kit
Even the most winter-ready Subaru can hit unexpected roadblocks. Make sure your emergency kit is fully stocked with essentials like:
- Blanket or sleeping bag
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Phone charger
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Small shovel
- Sand or cat litter (for traction)
- Jumper cables
- First-aid kit
- Bottled water and snacks
Pro Tip: Keep your emergency kit in an easily accessible spot, like the trunk organizer or cargo space.
9. Consider a Professional Seasonal Maintenance Inspection
There’s only so much you can do in your driveway. A professional inspection covers all the systems that keep your Subaru safe and dependable during winter—cooling, heating, charging, brakes, tires, and more.
At Pleiades Automotive, we offer a detailed seasonal maintenance service tailored to Subaru vehicles. Our factory-trained technicians know exactly what to look for and use advanced computerized diagnostics to spot issues before they become headaches.
Whether it’s your daily driver or your mountain weekend warrior, your Subaru deserves the best care. And that’s exactly what we provide.
Is Your Subaru Ready for Winter? Let’s Make Sure It Is.
Winter doesn’t have to be a stressful season for Subaru drivers. With a little preparation and expert support, your vehicle can handle snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures with confidence. If you’re unsure where to start—or want peace of mind before the first snow hits—schedule a winter prep service with the Subaru specialists at Pleiades Automotive in Aurora.
Our team combines 30+ years of experience with factory training, OE-quality parts, and diagnostic precision to give your Subaru the care it deserves. We also work on all makes and models, so if you’ve got multiple vehicles in your household, we’ve got you covered.
Call us today at (303) 953-1391 or book your winter inspection online now. Let’s keep your Subaru—and your story—moving forward this winter.