Winter can have a significant impact on different vehicle components and equipment. Now that the seasons have changed and winter is officially behind us, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is ready for the long drives, warm weather, and rainy roads that come with spring.
April is widely known as National Car Care Month, making it the perfect time to address routine vehicle maintenance. Plus, if you’re already in spring cleaning mode, why not give your car a refresh as well?
A little attention goes a long way. Here are some tips to keep your vehicle Road Ready this spring and beyond.
Replace Wiper Blades
Cold temperatures and wintry weather can take a serious toll on wiper blades, potentially leaving them cracked, frayed, and worn. If you notice any signs of damage or your wipers simply aren’t cleaning your windshield effectively, it’s time for replacements.
While you’re at it, go ahead and refill your windshield washer fluid so you can easily remove pollen, bugs, and other debris that show up this time of year. Fresh wipers and plenty of washer fluid will provide full and clear visibility on the road, which is especially important during spring showers and summer storms.
Inspect Tires
Having well-maintained and healthy tires is crucial this time of year due to the increased likelihood of wet and slippery road conditions. A great habit is to routinely check tire pressure levels and make sure they’re all inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Don’t forget that pressure levels may be low at first from the cold winter months.
Next, check the tread depth on each tire and look for any signs of balding or excessive wear. When you bring your vehicle in for spring maintenance, our technicians can advise you on when tire replacements are necessary, as well as rotation and balancing services.
Proactive tire care has many benefits. It keeps you safe by providing optimal traction and handling and can even lead to cost savings over time by extending the lifespan of your tires and improving fuel efficiency.
Test the Battery
By now, you understand that large temperature swings can impact various parts of a vehicle. This includes the battery. Both cold and hot weather can weaken the overall strength of your battery. The good news is that our Road Ready service package includes key practices that improve battery life and reliability.
- Testing the battery to ensure it’s fully charged and ready to perform
- Inspecting battery terminals to confirm they are free from corrosion and debris
- Securely fastening and connecting the battery so it properly integrates with the rest of the vehicle
Inspect and Replace Fluids
There are several fluids under the hood that are imperative to the health and longevity of a vehicle, particularly oil. Oil lubricates the engine to help it run more efficiently. As oil ages, it becomes less effective. Failing to replace oil at the proper intervals will decrease performance levels and can even lead to significant damage.
The same can be said for coolant, which maintains an optimal operating temperature for the engine. As temperatures rise, the task becomes increasingly difficult. These are just two of the vital fluids in a vehicle. Transmission fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and others also contribute to vehicle health and performance.
Regular fluid checks will detect any signs of aged fluid so they can be replaced with new, fresh fluid. This will help avoid any performance issues, improve vehicle lifespan, and maintain proper function in each component.
Replace Air Filters
Spring brings more than just sunshine. It also brings pollen, dust, and other warm-weather allergens. That’s why it’s essential to check both your engine and cabin air filter. When these filters are clean and debris-free, they can properly filter the air flowing into your vehicle.
You can think of these filters as a vehicle’s own set of lungs. Engine air filters clean the air entering the engine compartment, helping prevent damage and any dips in performance. Concurrently, cabin air filters clean the air circulating through a vehicle’s HVAC system, improving interior air quality by keeping contaminants at bay.
Test the A/C
Depending on your location, your vehicle’s A/C likely hasn’t worked too hard lately. However, with nothing but warmer days ahead, you’ll likely be using it daily. Go ahead and run your A/ C to make sure the airflow is strong, and the temperature is nice and cool. If you notice any inefficiencies, it’s a good idea to have refrigerant levels checked and recharged so you can stay comfortable behind the wheel all season long.
Wash, Clean, Protect
It’s never a bad idea to show your vehicle some TLC. Not only will you love the look and feel of a clean ride, but it also provides major benefits to the lifespan and performance of your vehicle. Regularly wash away any dirt, dust, and grime that accumulates on the exterior, and apply a coat of wax for ongoing protection. Same inside - make it a habit to clean, wash, and treat interior surfaces. Routine upkeep will prevent fading, cracking, and other signs of wear, inside and out.
Stay Ahead this Spring
Keeping up with routine vehicle maintenance is one of the easiest ways to protect your investment and avoid unexpected issues down the road. Furthermore, spring is the perfect time to reset, refresh, and make sure your vehicle is ready for wherever the season takes you.
Click here to learn more, find you nearest service center, and schedule your service today!
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