• Subaru City's Sale to Zero

    Every New & Pre-owned Subaru is priced to move — for a limited time!

  • Days
  • Hours
  • Minutes
  • Seconds
Nov 18, 2025

How to Prepare Your Subaru Before the First Snowstorm Hits

Milwaukee winters arrive fast — one week you’re driving comfortably down I-94, and the next you’re scraping ice at 6am wondering when the roads turned into a skating rink. Subaru owners know their vehicles are built for winter, but proper preparation is the key to safe, confident driving all season long.

This guide covers the core pre-winter steps every Subaru owner should take to make sure their vehicle is ready for whatever Wisconsin weather throws at it.


❄️ 1. Upgrade Your Tires for Real Winter Traction

Subaru winter tires Milwaukee, winter driving Subaru

All-wheel drive is amazing, but traction starts with the tires themselves. Milwaukee’s lake-effect snow and icy mornings demand grip.

What to do now:

  • Consider installing winter tires for better traction
  • Maintain a tread depth of 6/32″ or more
  • Check tire pressure weekly (cold lowers PSI quickly)

Pro Tip: AWD gets you moving — winter tires help you stop. You need both.


🔋 2. Test Your Battery Before Temperatures Drop

Subaru winter maintenance Milwaukee

Nothing derails a morning like a weak battery in freezing temperatures. Milwaukee’s cold puts extra strain on older batteries.

Before winter hits:

  • Get a battery load test
  • Replace your battery if it’s 3–5 years old
  • Clean corrosion on terminals

A strong battery prevents those dreaded “click… click… nothing” moments on sub-zero mornings.


🧊 3. Check & Top Off Your Subaru’s Fluids

Your Subaru works harder during winter, so the right fluids make a major difference.

  • Coolant/Antifreeze: Protects your engine in deep freezes
  • Oil: Some Subaru engines benefit from specific viscosities in cold weather
  • Windshield washer fluid: Use a winter blend to avoid frozen spray nozzles

Make fluid checks part of your early-winter routine.


👀 4. Improve Winter Visibility

Milwaukee roads stay coated in slush and salt for months, making visibility a safety priority.

Winter visibility checklist:

  • Install winter wiper blades
  • Replace your rear wiper (Outback, Forester, Crosstrek)
  • Test front & rear defrosters

Seeing clearly is one of the easiest ways to prevent winter accidents.


🌨️ Get Winter-Ready at Schlossmann Subaru City of Milwaukee

With these essential steps, your Subaru will be ready for the challenges of Wisconsin winter driving.

If you want professional help:
Schedule your Subaru Winter Prep Appointment today and stay ahead of the first big storm.

Stay tuned for Blog #2: Winter Driving & On-the-Road Safety Tips for Subaru Owners in Milwaukee.