With the warmer weather coming our way this time of the year, more people are itching to hit the road.
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or somewhere with a little more sunshine, it’s always a good idea to make sure your vehicle is as ready as you are.
With the cold temperatures and icy, snowy, winter conditions that come every year, chances are your vehicle has some additional wear and tear that needs addressing before any long road trips. Spring is the perfect time to take care of your vehicle to prevent any minor problems and issues now from becoming more serious concerns later in the summer.
Spring Vehicle Maintenance: Find Out What May Need Your Attention
Here are some key areas your vehicle may need some attention particularly during the spring:
Oil and Oil Filter
Maintaining your oil and oil filter is one of the best ways to keep your vehicle running without issues. If you’ve been neglecting your engine oil all winter, it’s time you get your vehicle in for an oil change. Without regular oil changes, your vehicle’s engine performance will suffer, you will see higher fuel consumption and, if left long enough, your vehicle can suffer severe engine damage.
Fluids
Spring is a great time to check your power steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. Now is the perfect time to check that they are all at the recommended levels. It’s important to remember your power steering fluid; brake fluid and coolant are part of a closed system, so low levels might mean there is a leak somewhere.
Wiper Blades
After a long, cold winter, it’s easy for wiper blades to get cracked and torn. Be sure you’re driving safe in all the rainy spring weather by checking and replacing your wiper blades if necessary.
Battery
A vehicle’s battery goes through a lot during the colder temperatures. Spring is an ideal time to check your battery’s reserve capacity, connections, and to see if there are any signs of corrosion.
Lights
How often do you see someone driving with a brake light out? Most of the time it takes someone else pointing out the problem before we notice a light is out. Check all your lights this spring to help yourself and other motorists around you.
Belts and Hoses
Like the windshield wipers and your battery, your vehicle’s belts and hoses go through a lot during the freezing temperatures. Hoses and belts can harden and crack during the winter. Be sure to check all hoses and belts for hardening, cracks, blistering, or other visual damage. It’s better to replace a belt this spring than on your road trip this summer.
Filters
Be sure your engine air filter, in-cabin dust&pollen filter and fuel filter are all free of damage and clear of debris, and replace any filters if necessary.
Tires
It’s important you check all aspects of your tires including the tread and air pressure(normally 35psi for most cars). Look for irregular wear, uneven wear, bruises, cracking or cuts on the sidewalls and replace as needed.
By making your vehicle a priority this spring, you can ensure you’re driving more safely this summer.
And don’t forget our Spring Maintenance Inspection Special, we’ll check everything on this list and more, and help in any way you need to give you peace of mind this summer. Just call us today to schedule an appointment.
Our Spring Maintenance Inspection Special is just $14.99 through May 31, 2017.