7 SPRING MAINTENANCE TIPS
People aren’t the only ones who often need a recovery period after a long, cold winter. Challenging conditions, freezing temperatures, salty roads, and similar factors can also take their toll on cars. That said, springtime is an excellent time to engage in a bit of maintenance.
Not only does spring auto maintenance give you a chance to assess and undo any winter damage, but it’s the ideal opportunity to prep your car for the hot summer days to come, as well. Here are a few essential tips to keep in mind.
1. Take a look at your tires
If you live somewhere cold enough to necessitate winter tires during the colder months, springtime is naturally the time to switch back to regular tires. However, you should also take this opportunity to inspect your tread and look for other signs of wear.
If you’re due for a tire rotation or an alignment, this is a great time to get that done, too. And, of course, be sure to keep an eye on your tire pressure and maintain it as needed.
2. Check your fluid levels
Whether you perform them yourself or leave the job to your mechanic, regular oil and filter changes should already be part of your ongoing maintenance schedule. If you’re going to be due for your next one soon, spring is a great time to be proactive.
But don’t forget to check your other fluid levels while you’re at it. These include your transmission fluid, steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield cleaning fluid. Top off any that are a little low, and be sure to go in for regular flushes when you’re due.
3. Check your battery function
Although checking your battery function is important year-round, it’s especially advisable when you’ve just completed a cold winter. Check it for signs of corrosion, loose mountings and connections, or visible wear and tear.
And, of course, have it tested to ensure it’s still in good working order. If your battery is older than five years, you may also want to ask your mechanic if he recommends replacing it entirely.
4. Examine belts and hoses for damage
Frigid temperatures and rubber don’t mix very well, so it’s important to inspect any rubber components for signs of damage once winter is over. Hoses, in particular, can harden and crack, especially if they’re older or due for replacement.
Ensure you also check your belts (or have your mechanic do it). Replace any showing visible signs of wear and damage or that will come up for replacement soon.
5. Take a closer look at your wiper blades
Speaking of rubber automotive components, your hoses and belts should definitely be your top priority. But don’t leave your wiper blades out of the equation. Wiper blades are pretty delicate, and a hard winter can spell curtains for a set that is already aging or due for replacement.
Wiper blades are also relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, so it’s better to be safe than sorry if yours look less than their best. Spring often brings rain and plenty of it, and it’s essential to be prepared with fully functional wipers.
6. Clean and inspect your lights
Your lights are significant when it comes to staying safe out there on the road, so you’ll want to give yours a nice, thorough check come spring. Exterior lights, in particular, can accumulate a lot of dirt, mud, and miscellaneous grime during even a mild winter. You’ll want to clear that before driving around in spring rains.
You should also check all of your lights to ensure they’re all functioning as they should. Have any that are broken or non-functional serviced or replaced at your earliest convenience.
7. Treat your car to a deep cleaning
Most vehicles experience at least some degree of salty, grimy build-up over the course of even a mild winter, so there’s nothing like a good deep cleaning to get spring started on the right foot. Treat your car to a thorough wash, taking care to include both the undercarriage and the wheel wells.
Then follow up with a nice coat of fresh wax and a thorough cleaning for the inside of your vehicle. Finishing touches like those help make the transition from winter into spring pleasant.
And, of course, you don’t have to go it alone when it comes to prepping your vehicle for spring. The maintenance experts of Buchanan automotive can go over your car for you, look for problem areas, and take care of them in a flash. So schedule your appointment today, and let Buchanan take care of the rest.
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