As winter comes to a close, now is the ideal time to perform some simple car maintenance to prepare your vehicle for warmer spring driving conditions. The cold, snow, and ice of winter can take a toll, so giving your car a little extra TLC is essential. This spring car maintenance checklist will help ensure your ride is in top shape.
Check and Rotate Tires
Driving through snow, slush, and potholes wears down tire tread quickly. Inspect each tire for proper tread depth, ensuring you have sufficient grip. Check for bulges, cracks or damage to the sidewalls that could indicate internal issues. Ensure proper tire pressure in all tires, including the spare. Under-inflated tires cause excess wear and poor fuel efficiency. Consider getting a tire rotation as well.
Inspect Wiper Blades and Top Off Fluids
Windshield wiper blades undergo a lot of abuse scraping away winter grime. Look for any cracks, tears or hardening of the rubber and replace worn wiper blades. Top off your windshield wiper fluid reservoir with a spring-formulated solution. While under the hood, also check the levels of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
Deep Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Built up road salt, slush and grime from winter driving takes a toll on the exterior. Give your car a thorough wash and wax to decontaminate surfaces like glass, trim and wheels. Don't forget to clean salt and debris from the undercarriage too. Inside, use a vacuum and cleaning products to remove dirt, crumbs and stains from the cabin and trunk.
Inspect Battery and Electrical Components
Cold temperatures put extra strain on your car's battery. If it's more than 3 years old, have the battery load tested by a professional and replace if needed. Inspect all exterior and interior lights, turn signals, HVAC blowers and electrical accessories like wipers and the radio for proper operation. Replace any burnt out bulbs.
By following this simple spring car maintenance checklist, your vehicle will be prepped and ready to handle the warmer spring weather ahead. A little preventative service now can save you from bigger repair bills down the road.