The temperature has dropped and old man sniffle is in your nose. Yep, it’s that time of year…winter.
The winter season can wreak havoc on your Saab, so prepare your Saab for the frosty days ahead with these helpful tips to keep you safe on the road.
Table of Contents
Tires
When the snow is falling it sure looks pretty, until it melts and ices over on the roads. Make sure your tires are in good condition. Check your tread depth and pressure. Traction is the key to staying safe on snowy and icy roads. If you get bountiful snow where you live, make sure you have snow tires or consider getting chains for your tires.
Funny Ad :)
Battery
When it’s cold outside, your battery capacity is reduced. Check the level of charge of your battery. Also, take a look at your battery cables and check for cracks, see if your terminals are tightly fitted and make sure your battery fluid level is good—fill with water if it’s too low.
Engine Coolant and Antifreeze
Don’t damage your engine with corrosion by having improper water and antifreeze levels. Go to your local Saab repair shop and have them check your coolant system and antifreeze levels. They will recommend the proper type of antifreeze.
Brakes
Icy streets and snowy roadways can make braking difficult for your Saab. Take your Saab to your local Saab service center and have your brake pads and discs inspected.
Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Check and if necessary, replace your windshield wiper blades. You can even buy blades designed to cut through ice and snow. Getting caught in a snowstorm without properly functioning blades can be hazardous, as can dirty snow kicked onto your windshield from the car in front of you.
Also, your windshield wiper fluid may freeze in the colder months. Check to make sure your windshield wiper washer reservoir is full. Remember, water will freeze, so opt for one that is made for freezing temperatures.
Engine Oil
Colder temps cause your engine oil to thicken and possibly cause engine damage if it’s not properly lubricated. Thinner, less viscous, oil is recommended for colder climates, and will allow the oil to move faster. Your Saab technician will know the proper type of oil to switch to in your vehicle.
Lights
Your lights should be in proper working order for those snowy days and dark winter nights. Make sure all lights—headlights, fog lights, full beams, side lights, blinkers, and hazardous lights—are operational. Replace any bulbs if not.
Your trusted Saab mechanic can help you “Winter-ize” your vehicle. If you don’t have an expert Saab specialist, find one in your area today!
When winter testing turns into a debate :)
Winter driving isn’t only about tires, fluids, and preparation – it’s also about how cars are perceived once the snow starts falling. A recent winter campaign by Volkswagen Norway, built around AWD traction, unexpectedly put the Saab 9-3 in the spotlight and sparked a wave of reactions from Saab owners who know how these cars actually behave on snow.
Real winter behavior under −20°C conditions
Cold-weather preparation matters most when theory meets actual use. A recent Finnish winter test puts real numbers behind that reality, comparing a pre-heated Saab 9-3 OG and a modern electric Polestar 2 under identical −20°C conditions. Using equalized pre-heating energy and the same driving route, the test shows how traditional block heating, cabin warm-up time, and overall winter predictability differ from modern EV thermal management. The full analysis is covered in this in-depth comparison.
