Kansas City winters bring unpredictable weather, often swinging from mild rain to freezing sleet and heavy snow overnight. For drivers in Independence, Overland Park, and the wider KC metro, having a vehicle ready for these conditions is essential.
If you drive a Mitsubishi, you already have an advantage: the highly advanced Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system (available on models like the Outlander). S-AWC is more than just standard All-Wheel Drive; it intelligently controls power and braking to each individual wheel, giving you superior traction, stability, and control—especially on slick surfaces.
To ensure your Mitsubishi's S-AWC system is at peak performance, Northtowne Mitsubishi, your local Mitsubishi dealer Kansas City, recommends these five essential winter prep steps:
1. Check Your Tires (They are S-AWC's Foundation)
S-AWC is only as good as the tires connecting it to the road. Before the first freeze hits, visit our Mitsubishi service center to:
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Inspect Tread Depth: Worn treads significantly reduce traction on snow and ice. Replace tires if the tread is shallow.
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Verify Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop. Proper inflation is crucial for S-AWC to distribute power correctly.
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Consider Winter Tires: For the best performance, especially in heavy snow, ask your Mitsubishi dealer near me about dedicated winter tires.
2. Schedule Your Fluid Inspection and Change
Winter puts extra stress on your engine and transmission. While S-AWC is a sophisticated electronic system, it relies on clean mechanical components.
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Oil Change: Ensure you have fresh oil, suitable for cold-weather starting.
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Coolant Check: Verify your antifreeze levels and concentration to prevent engine damage from freezing.
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Brake Fluid: Clean brake fluid ensures your anti-lock braking (a component S-AWC relies on heavily) works instantly when you need to slow down on ice. This is crucial for proper Super All-Wheel Control Maintenance.
3. Test Your Battery and Charging System
Cold weather is a battery killer. A weak battery can cause problems with the many electronic sensors and modules that manage the S-AWC system. Our Mitsubishi service team can perform a free battery test to ensure it has the cranking power necessary to start your engine reliably throughout the winter months.
4. Practice with Your Drive Modes (Especially the Mitsubishi Outlander Snow Mode)
If your Mitsubishi (like the Outlander) features the selectable drive modes, you need to know how to use them:
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Snow Mode: This setting is specifically calibrated to reduce wheel spin and optimize S-AWC response on slippery surfaces like compacted snow and ice. Practice engaging the Mitsubishi Outlander Snow Mode before you need it.
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A-WC Lock Mode (where applicable): Use this for extremely low-traction situations (like deep, unplowed snow).
5. Don’t Delay Your Mitsubishi S-AWC Winter Prep
The best time to prepare is now. Waiting until the first snowstorm means long service wait times. Trust the experts at Northtowne Mitsubishi, your official Mitsubishi dealership for all S-AWC and winter maintenance. We know your vehicle inside and out and can ensure all systems—from the brakes to the differential—are ready to handle anything the KC weather throws at you.
Visit our Mitsubishi dealer in Kansas City today to book your winter safety check and drive with confidence this season!