When the weather warms up, it’s not only great for a time by the pool or beach; it also means being able to get outside and breathe some fresh air. Embracing this time of year also means that your daily commute can be a little less stressful when you’re not sitting in traffic.
The new season brings new activities: not only a renewed dedication to your health and wellness routine, but also a new effort toward tackling the necessary car maintenance.
With that in mind, car care experts at RepairSmith have put together some quick tips for completing simple car care tasks so you can hit the road with confidence this spring.
Check the Tire Pressure –
Ensuring that your tires have the proper amount of air pressure is critical to your vehicle’s performance. All four tires should be checked at least monthly. You should also check them before a long trip, but don’t wait until the last minute to top them off. Make sure that they have enough air in them when you start your trip!
Brakes
Most drivers know that a squealing or grinding noise means something needs attention, but there are other issues that may be harder to detect. If your brake pedal sinks to the floor or takes longer than usual to stop the car, or there is any other issue with how the brakes feel, you need to bring the car in as soon as possible. Otherwise, it could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Change your oil
Spring is a great time of year for oil changes because it allows you to take care of one major maintenance task at a time when it’s most convenient. Check with your owner’s manual to find out when to change your vehicle’s oil. If it’s time for an oil change and you’re headed in for service anyway, ask the service advisor about additional items you might want to add to your list like tire rotation and brake inspection.
Check Your Battery
The cold winter months can put a serious strain on your battery and cause it to be less effective than usual. If your car isn’t starting as smoothly as usual, take a look at the battery. If your battery is cracked or leaking fluid, you’ll need to replace it.
Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper blades help keep your windshield clear, so it’s important to replace them regularly. A fresh set of blades can help keep your vision clear and eliminate the need to scrape the windshield during heavy rainstorms. It only takes a few minutes to replace the blades yourself and your car will be ready for spring showers.
Top Off Fluids
Did you know that your car uses more coolant in the spring? The increased outside temperatures cause antifreeze levels to drop, so make sure to top off coolant levels before you hit the road. Check oil levels too because oil has a tendency to get thicker in cold weather.
Check your windshield wipers.
Having trouble seeing through the rain or snow? Make sure that your windshield wipers are functional and in good condition. Replacing your old, worn out wipers with some new ones will make driving a lot easier this spring.
Spring is also a great time for buying rain-/snow- tires. Because of the changing weather conditions, it’s always a good idea to invest in new, quality tires for your car.
Keep Wiper Blades in Good Shape
Be sure to check your wiper blades regularly since they are crucial in clearing away water from your windshield during rainstorms or snowstorms.
Final thoughts
No one likes being stranded on the side of the road. As the temperature starts to rise, it’s important to remember that your car, just like your body, has a lot of moving parts that need to be checked and maintained. Fortunately, with a bit of preventative care, you can save yourself the hassle and cost of car trouble