Snowy roads, ice patches, and slick driving are obstacles Pittsburgh drivers have begrudgingly grown familiar with but still cannot predict. Whether you are searching for a vehicle, keeping up with maintenance, or looking for tips, it is important to stay ahead and be informed about winter driving in Western PA in hopes of combating it to the best of your ability.
As a brand synonymous with winter driving, Subaru prides itself on its winter features and technology that make the hassle of winter driving less of an overall concern. Understanding the basics of your vehicle, preparing it, and driving safely is the main goal at Bowser Subaru. With Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD, winter tires, and routine winter preparations, any Subaru owner can get ready for Pittsburgh winters.
Symmetrical All Wheel Drive
All Wheel Drive (AWD) is a vehicle drivetrain system where all four wheels each receive efficient power based on the needs of the terrain and the car. Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system creates a better sense of steadiness and durability in slick, wintry conditions. AWD vehicles use differentials in the front, rear, and center to measure and deliver assorted amounts of power directly to each wheel, allowing wheels on the same axle to spin at different rates in moments of slippage, helping the vehicle to steady and correct itself.
Subaru Symmetrical AWD comes standard on each of the brand’s models, excluding the BRZ sports car. Subaru’s AWD vehicles are notorious for their inclement weather driving capabilities and can act as a great vehicle for new or anxious winter drivers. Browse our inventory to see which Subaru fits you best.
Does AWD Mean You Don't Need Winter Tires?
Honest answer: AWD helps you go, but tires help you turn and stop. While Subaru Symmetrical AWD continues to receive well-deserved acclaim for winter driving, it can’t be the only aid for snowy conditions. All-season tires often stiffen, and the traction lessens when the temperature drops, leaving you with less grip on the pavement. Because tires are the car's only contact with the road, it is important to upgrade to tires that have a grippy tread design made for enhancing grip on the pavement, especially ones that are winter-specific.
Winter Tire Tips for Your Subaru
With the right knowledge and timing, prepping your tires for winter should be an easy step to rope in with basic car maintenance to keep you confident and safe. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Use the Penny test to check your tread depth: Insert a penny upside down into a tread groove spot on one of your tires, and if you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread is at or below 2/32, which means that it is time for replacements. As tires wear down, traction lessens, making the tire swap out in the winter crucial.
Maintain correct tire pressure: With winter climates dropping rapidly, it is important to remember that tire pressure drops nearly 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature, leaving tires underinflated in the event of a cold front. It is important to utilize the driver’s door jamb sticker, as it lists the optimal tire pressure for your vehicle. At the correct pressure, your tires will not wear, become bald, or cause declining fuel economy. Be sure to check pressure before driving for the most accurate reading.
Rotate and align regularly: For AWD systems, it is important to rotate tires every 6,000-7,500 miles (or per your owner's manual) to keep wear even. Hitting a pesky Pittsburgh pothole can also knock alignment out of place, so make sure to keep up with these regularly throughout the year, paying special attention in the winter months.
Look for the right winter tires when shopping: The formal token of a standard winter performance tire is the 3PMSF symbol, which includes a three-peak mountain with a snowflake. Be sure to match the size and load/speed rating with your owner’s manual or door jamb sticker.
Not sure what your tires need for the winter? Our skilled service team can check tread depth, pressure, and alignment. Schedule a tire inspection with Bowser Subaru Service today!
How to Stay Ahead of Pittsburgh Winter Driving
Even with Subaru’s advanced Symmetrical AWD and the comfort of winter tires, it is still important to make adjustments and practice safe driving habits to ensure optimal safety on the road throughout the harsh Pennsylvania winters:
Control brake usage: To help combat slippery roadways, brake early and gradually to avoid skidding. Subaru’s 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) works to aid braking by keeping steady and secure pressure on the brake pedal.
Drive slowly: In order to match road conditions and allow yourself optimal reaction time, be sure to reduce speed as necessary.
Remove snow from your vehicle: Not only does removing excess snow from your vehicle keep you safe, but it also protects those around you. Before driving, be sure to brush all snow and ice from every surface of your vehicle, including the often overlooked side mirrors. The interior defrost/defog button can also help clear ice from your windshield and windows.
Have a plan if you get stuck: As much as you plan and prep against it, getting stuck in the snow happens! Even though this situation is less than ideal, always have a plan and stick to it. Things like running your vehicle’s engine intermittently to make sure no snow is blocking the exhaust pipe, and keeping an emergency kit for warmth and sustenance are two crucial parts that can be added to this routine. Also, be aware that if your car’s MySubaru Connected Services system is equipped, you can reach out to roadside assistance for quick access to emergency services through the on-board display system.
Stay Safe on the Winter Roads with Bowser Subaru!
Between Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, upgraded winter tires, and basic snowy safety, a Subaru car or SUV makes for the perfect vehicle for winter driving. Visit Bowser Subaru to make Pittsburgh winter driving easier. Find your Subaru today!
Subaru Winter Driving FAQs
Q: Do all Subarus come with All-Wheel Drive?
A: Nearly all of them do. Symmetrical AWD is standard on every Subaru model except the BRZ sports car. If you’re shopping at Bowser Subaru, you can browse our new and pre-owned inventory to find an AWD model that fits your needs.
Q: Do I need snow tires on a Subaru?
A: Not always, but they make a real difference. AWD helps you get moving, while tires determine how well you turn and stop. If you regularly drive Pittsburgh’s hills or leave early on snowy mornings, winter tires give you extra grip. For milder winters, all-weather tires with the 3PMSF symbol are a good middle ground.
Q: Which Subaru is best for winter driving?
A: Every Subaru is built with winter in mind, so the best one depends on how you drive. The Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, and Ascent are popular in Western PA thanks to their ground clearance and available X-MODE, which helps with traction on slick surfaces. Our team can help you compare models and find the right fit.
Q: When should I get my Subaru serviced for winter?
A: Ideally in the fall, before the first snowfall. A pre-winter visit can include a battery test, tire inspection, brake check, fluid check, and a look at your wipers and lights. Catching small issues early is much easier than dealing with a breakdown on a cold morning. Schedule your winter service with Bowser Subaru today.
