Is Your Car Ready To Hit the Road This Spring?
What Does Your Car Need For Spring Maintenance?
Winter weather can be absolutely brutal on an automobile. Getting through the season relatively unscathed is an accomplishment on its own. Now that the first day of spring and warmer spring weather are clearly on the horizon, it’s time to think about a change to your regular car care routine. So, what does your car need for spring maintenance? The most important thing you can do is make sure the things that cause corrosion and rust are removed from your car, truck or SUV. Follow along with Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC while we take a closer look at this important service period.
READ MORE: Why Schedule Service With Us?
Wash Salt, Sand and Grime Off Your Car
Depending on where you live, there are a few different types of materials used by municipalities to keep roads safe for winter driving. Salt and sand are the most popular in our area. Over the course of a winter, a lot of salt, sand, and grime will build up beneath your vehicle. This is how corrosion and rust problems start. As soon as you can, schedule an appointment for a thorough car wash or deep detailing appointment. Both are available at Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC.
A deep clean on your vehicle’s undercarriage will remove the salt and dirt that combine with moisture to create rust and corrosion. The exterior of your vehicle can also collect this contamination. Having a protectant like wax applied to the paint is crucial to protecting your vehicle.
Other spring maintenance tasks include changing wiper blades for seasonal options and making sure all exterior lights are still working properly.
Spring Needs For Tires and Wheels
In the early days of spring, it’s not uncommon for tires to lose pressure overnight. That is because after being warm during the day, the shift to colder temperatures causes air molecules to shrink, lowering the pressure in the tire. The wider the day to night temperature swing, the bigger potential for pressure loss there is. If you notice a big pressure loss after a relatively stable temperature, that is likely the sign of an active leak.
Additionally, when the average ambient temperature gets above 7° C, it’s time to put all-season or summer tires on your vehicle. Sticking with winter tires too long will wear them out faster because they aren’t designed for hot and dry pavement.
Finally, scheduling a wheel alignment appointment is good practice to start the spring driving season. A properly aligned set of wheels will go a long way toward prolonging the life of your tires.
Spring Engine and Mechanical Inspections
There are a few areas that fall under the powertrain and mechanical category that can be negatively affected by cold winter temperatures. Primarily, vehicle owners will want to get their battery tested to see if it needs to be replaced before hitting the road this spring. Unexpectedly hot weather can be just as damaging to batteries as sub-freezing temps. A quick and inexpensive battery test will give car owners peace of mind knowing their vehicle won’t leave them stranded.
Other spring maintenance items to consider include:
- Fluid check: Top off coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and power steering fluid if needed. Check for leaks.
- Belts and hoses: The warming and cooling of rubber belts cause them to break down. An appointment at our service department might be required for this.
- Brake inspections: Listen for tell-tale signs of brake problems like an unexpected grinding or squealing. Both are indicators your brakes need attention.
Make an appointment with the Reaume Chevrolet Buick GMC Service Department today if you’re ready to get your automobile ready for spring driving.