7 Ways to Prep Your Audi for Winter
1. Wash It
A proper wash is often the most common item on the winter prep checklist for Audi owners. It's really the first step to making sure the exterior is protected from winter weather conditions that just love to diminish the paint and leave noticeable traces of damage well into the next season. Visit this forum thread for a detailed guide on everything you need to know about properly washing and drying your Audi, including information on which products to use.
Related article: How to Wash, Wax and Detail Your Audi - AudiWorld.com
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2. Use a Clay Bar
Are there tough-to-remove spots of dirt on your Audi's paint? There are some residues that will take a special touch to get rid of for good. Using a clay bar is the best way to remove imperfections in the paint. Take the extra time to zero in on these minuscule yet noticeable areas, and you'll thank yourself later when your Audi looks flawless. It's another step towards making sure your exterior is winter-proof.
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3. Polish and Wax It
If you don't want the hard work you put into washing and using a clay bar on your Audi to go to waste, then make sure you set aside the time to polish and wax it, too. A few simple products, like a microfiber mitt and the right polishing product, will go a long way when it comes to protecting your Audi's paint through the barrage of snow, sleet and road salt it will face this winter. Polishing the paint will diminish surface scratches and prep it for a good wax. There's no need to buy a hand buffer; you can simply apply the wax using a little elbow grease. One forum member recommends Blackfire Gloss Enhancing Polish topped with a few coats of P21S carnauba wax.
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4. Oil and Filter Change
Many enthusiasts on the AudiWorld forum make sure to replace the oil filter, along with the oil, before the chill of winter sets in. It's recommended to consider replacing the oil with 10W-30 oil, which is better to use when outside temperatures are colder because it is less viscous. Having to change the oil in the cold is the least fun job there is when it comes to auto maintenance, so check your intervals and have a plan to change it before the winter season.
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5. Inspect the Alternator
The alternator works extra hard during frigid winter months, which is why it's recommended to tighten and change the belts and check for any bad bearings. You don't want this component to stop working in the dead of winter. Have it checked and any belts tightened or replaced beforehand for added peace of mind.
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6. Lubricate the Handles
To prevent them from freezing and potentially cracking, it's recommended to lubricate the door handles with lithium grease and spray WD-40 in the key locks as well. There's nothing worse than having to wait out in the cold while struggling to open your door!
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7. Replace the Floor Mats
Several AudiWorld forum enthusiasts recommend replacing the interior floor mats with rubber ones suited for winter wear and tear. Protecting the interior footwells from snow and dirt that's tracked in when you get in your Audi is well worth the investment. Winter mats are easier to clean and maintain throughout the season, and you'll be able to simply swap in your stock mats when the time comes.
>>Join the conversation about winter prep for your Audi right here in AudiWorld Forum!
For maintenance and repair guides, browse our technical How-to articles at AudiWorld.com!