Spring is finally here! Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and it’s finally warm enough to roll down those windows and take that Sunday drive. But before you get busy with all those warmer weather activities or plan your next road trip, it’s always a good idea to take your car in for a little spring maintenance check up before hitting the road. If you’re wondering what you need to have done at your next trip to the mechanic, we’ve got you covered with our 6 essential car maintenance tips for spring.
Tires & Car Maintenance
We hate to state the obvious, but winter is your tires’ worst enemy. Driving on snow, ice, and salt can create issues for them. We recommend checking your tire pressure to make sure they are properly inflated after rough winter driving. Some other things to check? Wear and tear – how is your tread holding up? While you’re down there checking out the tread, you’ll want to check for any dents or damage to your rims. If all seems in good order (or even if it doesn’t), you’ll want to bring your car to your mechanic so he can rotate and balance your tires. Neglecting your tires can create safety issues as you drive around town this spring.
Car Maintenance for your Suspension
Winter driving is no picnic for your suspension system, either. From icy roads to those early spring potholes, your suspension system can take the hit. If you notice any signs that your suspension is off like unusually bumpy rides, continued bouncing after hitting bumps, pulling to one side after turning corners, or difficulty steering, then it might be time to ask your mechanic to check your struts and/or shocks.
Alignment
Along with your suspension system, your alignment could have been thrown off my winter driving. Signs you need to address your car’s alignment include squealing tires, pulling to the one side while driving, uneven or rapid tire wear, and a steering wheel that is crooked when you’re driving straight. If you notice any of these signs or if it’s been awhile since you had your alignment checked, just ask your mechanic to work on it.
Interior air quality
After riding in a closed up car all winter long, you’ll want to ensure your air quality is fresh and clean. For starters, ask your mechanic about your cabin air filters. Cabin air filters keep pollen, mold, and other pollutants out of the interior of your car to ensure air quality and comfort. If your car was manufactured in the year 2000 or later, you have a cabin air filter, and spring is the perfect time to get it replaced. One other air quality check you can ask your mechanic about? An AC output test. Your AC has been sitting idle all winter long and you’ll want to ensure it’s in working order before the heat of summer arrives.
Exterior lights and wipers
We may tend to forget these smaller essential features to our car, but you’ll want to check your headlights, taillights, and turn signal lights after a long winter. The harsh winter elements can cause your lights to yellow which can create a driving safety issue for you. Ask your mechanic to replace any lights that have yellowed, and while he’s there to check for any burnt out bulbs in your headlights, taillights, and turn signal lights. One last check for your car after winter is your windshield wipers. Winter driving can dull your wiper blades, so ask your mechanic to check and then replace so you’re ready for those heavy spring rains.
Belts & Hoses
Our bitterly cold days can leave your belts and hoses a mess. Your belts and hoses can begin to crack and tear over the winter, and left unchecked – this can lead to breakdowns at the side of the road. Asking your mechanic to check the condition of these items can save you the hassle of waiting for that tow on the side of the road this spring.
If you’re ready to hit the road this spring, these 6 essential maintenance checks will ensure smooth and safe driving all season long. Ready to schedule your spring maintenance appointment? Our team is ready to perform your spring maintenance check so you can get back on the road and enjoy your spring no matter where you plan on driving.
