The winter has just ended. Your car needs some tender loving care to prepare it for the coming spring season. You will want to hit the road now that the weather is warmer. You should take care of your car by checking every part including the exterior, under the vehicle, and under the hood. Here are the things you need to do to keep it in top condition for spring.
1. Ensure that your car battery is tested and replaced if need be
When the winter is over, your car battery might be ruined. Low temperatures during the winter force your car battery to overwork by slackening its chemical reactions. When high temperatures start, they tend to evaporate important battery fluids and accelerate corrosion. There is a possibility that a day of hot weather can kill your battery. Get your car battery checked to ensure that your car will not fail to start.
2. Get oil and oil filter changed
Changing the oil frequently is important because it helps keep the engine healthy. Old oil is inefficient as it does not perform its work of protecting the engine.
3. Ensure that the tire pressure is up to par
Check the tire pressure of your car and ensure that it matches the tire pressure recommended in the manual. When the temperature changes, the tire pressure also changes and that is why it is important to check its readings between winter and spring. While you are at it, you should also check the tire tread and make sure that it is enough. If the tread is not enough, the tires cannot grip the road as they should. If this happens, it will be difficult to handle the car in wet weather and you will be unable to stop the car urgently. You can perform the test using a penny.
4. Clean your lights thoroughly and replace the bulbs if you need to
Taillights and headlights also get dirty and when they do, they make it hard to drive in the dark. Use water, baking soda, and a soft toothbrush to clean them. That does not help, replace the bulbs.
5. Refill wiper fluid and replace wiper blades
Months of clearing away snow can wear out wipers. If they are chattering, spreading water across the windshield, or just malfunctioning, then it is time to do something about them. Try cleaning them and if they don't work better, replace the wiper blades. Refill the wiper fluid as well in preparation for the summer and spring rainstorms.
Besides doing the above, remember to:
- Wash the car from top to bottom.
- Clean the wheels and tires.
- You can also wax it.
- Check under the hood and do a tune-up if necessary.
- Check all fluids, hoses, and belts.
- Check under the vehicle and make sure the whole brake system, struts, or shocks.
- Check for leakages and have the car inspected to establish the cause of the leakage.
If your car needs a spring inspection, feel free to bring it to our auto repair shop for professional service!