9 Tips for Your Spring Car Maintenance
Share
Spring cleaning is a routine many of us are familiar with this time of the year. But for many of us, it’s also an excellent time to work on our cars. As we transition from winter to spring, simple, periodic servicing inspections will help your vehicle run at its best.
Early spring is perfect for having your car prepared for road trips. We also embark on regular driving during the summer break as the weather warms up.
To Avoid Poor Performance, De-Winterize
Suppose you want to make long-term financial savings. Try a little do-it-yourself maintenance – now is the perfect time to get started! Your car needs a breath of fresh air after the harsh winter months.
What are some ways that proper maintenance will help you save money? Take, for example, your cooling system. Coolant and Fluid top-ups costs between $8 and $12 per gallon. These can help you prevent expensive engine damage. At the very least, the need for a replacement radiator, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
Keeping track of your car’s condition is beneficial regardless of where you live. Here are nine things you can do right now for a comprehensive and reliable spring car maintenance search, from Seattle to South Miami Beach and everywhere else.
Car Maintenance during Spring
1- Wax and clean
After the winter’s onslaught of salt, slush, ice, and snow, give your car a thorough cleaning, especially on the underside. Applying rust-proof can also act as a salt-busting shield if appropriate.
2- Tests for fluids
Neglected fluids will lead to your car’s demise. After the winter season, when routine maintenance is easy to overlook, you can start the spring season with fluid tests. Check to see if your coolant, brake fluid, oil, and transmission fluid are all at their recommended levels.
3- Replace the wipers on your windshield
Your wiper blades may suffer damage from the winter, but you’ll also need new wiper blades for spring showers. Check the voltage of the battery. Get a battery load test if possible to ensure it not only made it through the winter but is also ready for spring.
4- Examine the air filter
A clogged air filter can seriously harm engine output. Changing your air filter is easy (it takes around 5 minutes) and cheap (costs about $10–15). How significant is this often-overlooked component? A clogged air filter can reduce gas mileage by up to 10%.
5- Tire care is essential
Maintain the recommended pressure level for your tires, which is usually 30-32 psi. However, double-check your tires for details. Also, make sure your treads are in good shape, and if you installed winter tires, remember to take them off and replace them with all-season tires from spring to fall.
6- Interior is also essential
Do not forget your interior as you do maintenance on your car. The interior needs just as much care. Salt does not only affect the outside but the inside as well. A steam cleaner does the best job of dealing with salt inside the car.
7- Oil change
To keep your engine running smoothly, you need to at least once a month check your oil and change it. This is something you can do by yourself or have done professionally. Some guides can show you how to remove the old oil and replace it correctly.
Changing the oil doesn’t mean that you pick any engine oil. Knowing the right one for your car is essential. The viscosity of the oil is vital and knowing whether to use synthetic or non-synthetic oil. Another essential factor to know is the mileage of your car.
8- Lights need testing
Your lights are essential for safety, and you need to ensure they are working. You need to provide all the bulbs are working. An expert can help you with this, including getting the correct bulb and determining any issues that may cause it not to work.
You need to ensure that your headlights are working correctly and shining bright. The lenses need cleaning, and as bulbs begin to dim, you must change them.
9- Check your brakes
You want to be able to count on your brakes while driving. Brake pads can also be worn out and need changing. Test them while driving to see if there is any noise, vibrations or shuddering. Consult an expert if you notice any of these.
It may seem like a lot to undertake. However, when your car is running smoothly, it means your life is also hassle-free. Try to catch any problems early before they cost you more money in the future.