The ground is thawing and the birds are chirping, that means warmer temps are on the way. This is the perfect time to maintain your car – before Spring fever conveniently lets you forget to do it. Just as spring cleaning is a good idea for your home, spring car care is a smart idea for your car.
Depending on where you live, winter can cause your car to take a beating, on the exterior, inside the cabin and in the engine and other important systems. Now is the perfect time to see what should be addressed, and prepare for summer driving — before the heat of summer comes!
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
How to Prepare for Spring Car Care
Basic maintenance can be done with little to no cost unless there is a major problem. It is empowering when you can change your own coolant or know when you need an oil change by looking at the oil. If you need more information, a knowledgeable professional such as those at Repair Pal can answer questions and help you find a good mechanic.
1. Inspect Your Windshield Wipers
Chilly winter temps and ice can cause your wiper blades to lose their effectiveness. Most auto parts stores will change them for you for free. Better yet, have them show you how to change them and you can do it yourself anytime.
Read: 10 Things To Always Buy at an Auto Parts Store. Save Money and Installation Is Free!
2. Check Your Oil
If it’s been over 3,000 miles since your last oil change, it’s probably best to get an oil change and top off the fluids (make sure they check coolant, brake fluid, power steering and transmission fluids). Check your car maker’s site or owners manual for the recommended number of miles between oil changes and the type of oil to be used to ensure you get the right service. Warmer temps will take a toll on your oil, so it’s good to start the season with fresh, clean motor oil.
Read: The Cost of an Oil Change Is Less If You DIY. Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Does Your Engine Need More Coolant?
Before running the A/C on hot days, it’s a good idea to check your engine coolant level. If it’s low you can top it off, though having a flush-and-fill performed is a good idea to ensure the system is fresh and clean—something you can add on to a Spring car care oil change. Trying to make it through summer with inadequate coolant is a recipe for a roadside disaster.
4. Speaking of Keeping Cool, Be Sure to Test Your Air Conditioning
This is a Spring car care must: test out your climate system to make sure it gets cold, fast. If it’s not providing enough cool air, you may need more refrigerant. Or, it might be a clogged condenser, leak, or loose drive belt. Regardless, it’s smart to fix this situation in spring before the peak heat of summer arrives. Who wants a broken A/C at the beach?
5. Check Your Tire Pressure
Another Spring car care must is checking your tires —starting with tire pressure. Wide temperature variations are common with changes of season and can cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly. Under-inflated tires don’t get as good MPG, don’t grip the road as well and are more susceptible to damage or a blowout.
6. Check the Tread on Your Tires
Worn tires are a danger all around: On long road trips, hot days on hot pavement and in heavy spring rains. It may be time to replace your tires before the Spring weather and Summer fun kick in. How to check the tread—and overall health of your tires? Take the tread test: Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Then, take a look at your tires: scratched or gouged rubber, bulging sidewalls, uneven wear, shedding rubber or exposed threads or wires are all a sign of danger and that its beyond time to have your tires replaced.
7. Does Everything Look Good Under the Hood?
Open the hood and take note: does it pass the smell test? Look for cracks, swelling, fraying or leakage. If something looks borderline, have it checked out or replace it yourself; warmer weather could likely cause it to fail.
A Girls Guide to Cars Bonus Spring Car Care Tip
Hear a squeal or squeak? Something feel or sound ‘off’ or not feel right? Feel your steering wheel pull to one direction or the other, or does your braking seem to be a bit heavier or take longer to stop? Get it checked right away. It’s much cheaper to deal with a maintenance issue before it becomes a blown engine or a brake failure that leads to an accident.
Educate Yourself About Your Car and Feel Empowered
Many of a car’s systems will flash a warning light to alert you of an issue, and you can install an OBD II reader (or on board diagnostics) to know just what is going on under the hood, but it’s always best to know your car yourself.
If you aren’t comfortable doing these things yourself, take your car to a mechanic—you can find one here—and ask for a 29 point inspection. This will ensure that everything is ready to go for warmer temperatures. Nothing will ruin a road trip like unexpected car problems.
And that way, you’re assured your Spring fling will be uninterrupted!
