Does your car have the winter blues? Let’s face it. Winter can be rough on your car – from your tires to your taillights, your car may be in need for some maintenance. Spring can be a great reset not only for the flowers outside and your schedule, but also for your car. It’s important to get your vehicle in for regular maintenance checks each year, and there’s no better time than spring to make that happen.
But before you take your car in, you may be asking what you need to have looked at and checked. We’ve got you covered with our 6 simple maintenance tips for your car this spring.
1. Maintenance for your tires
From potholes to salt trucks, your tires and rims take a beating while driving during the winter. Ask your mechanic to not only rotate and balance your tires, but also, inspect for tread wear and rim damage. Damage to rims and tires can impact your alignment and the life of your tires.
2. Alignment
Once your tires have been inspected, you’ll want to have your alignment checked. If your car has been pulling to the left or right when your steering wheel is straight, it’s a sure sign that something needs to be adjusted. Proper alignment can provide better handling and safer driving all year long.
3. Suspension maintenance
Winter can negatively impact your suspension, so it’s important to have your struts and shocks inspected by your mechanic each spring. Some signs that your suspension is off include difficulty steering, continued bouncing after hitting bumps, shaking at high speeds, and nose driving when you stop. Whether you’re noticing these signs or not, a good rule of thumb is to have your mechanic check your suspension each spring.
4. Belts & Hoses
Our bitterly cold winters can cause wear, tear, and cracking to your belts and hoses. Left unchecked, this can lead to broken belts and breakdowns on the side of the road. Avoid the unpleasantness of a breakdown by having them inspected each spring.
5. Cabin Air Quality
Spring is a great reminder that the insides of our car matter too. When you take your car in for your maintenance check, ask your mechanic to check your cabin air filter. This air filter’s job is to keep out allergens and pollutants so you’ll want to replace this each spring to keep your inside-the-car air fresh and safe. While you’re at it, have your mechanic make sure your AC is running properly so you’re prepared for driving in the heat of summer.
6. Other Safety Features
There are a variety of things we take for granted when it comes to driving. Spring is the best time to have these items checked. Start with replacing your windshield wipers. Winter can dull your wiper blades – so replacing them can help you be prepared for great visibility when those spring rains arrive.
One other safety feature to check is your lights – headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Our winter weather can yellow or haze your lights impacting your nighttime visibility. Have them checked and replaced, if needed, as well as replacing any burnt out bulbs.
When you’re ready to get on the road this spring, all six of these maintenance tips can extend the life of your car when you have them checked each spring. So take the time and get your spring maintenance check on your calendar and ours.
