Spring Vehicle Maintenance Guide
The winter is a tough time of year for your vehicle. Between the temperature fluctuations, extreme cold, snow, ice, gravel and salt, and more, your vehicle goes through some of the toughest driving conditions every winter. Come the spring, it’s a good idea to get your vehicle checked out to ensure the winter’s stresses are mitigated, and prep it for the spring and summer. Read on with the service experts here at Hinton Dodge Chrysler as we take a look at some of the things you should do to prepare your vehicle for spring driving.
Swap and Maintain Your Tires
Warm weather driving will actually cause damage to your winter tires, and make them wear out faster. As soon as the temperature regularly hits 7-degrees Celsius or higher, swap them out for all-season tires. While you’re at it, get them rotated, and have your wheel alignment checked out. A brake check might also be a good idea.
Top Up Fluids
You should be getting two oil changes a year anyway, the spring is a great time to schedule the first of them. In addition to refreshing the oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant levels should also be given a regular look, and post-winter is a great opportunity.
Test Your Battery
Freezing temperatures are hard on vehicle batteries, so springtime is an optimal time to have yours tested. If your battery is more than three years old, you should also get it regularly looked at, as most have a lifespan between three and five years. Getting your battery checked can give you a good idea if it’s time to get it replaced.
Replace Filters
Speaking of replacements, getting your engine and cabin air filters replaced in the spring is a good idea. Winter brings with it dust and mold, and the spring is heavy on dirt, pollen, mildew and more. Getting a fresh air filter installed will protect the engine, and keep the cabin fresh and comfortable.
Replace Wiper Blades
Wiper blades are often neglected, but they also need regular replacement. Especially if you opted for winter wiper blades, as the heavier rubber wears out faster in the warmer months, and causes additional strain on the wiper motors.
Wash It
Get a car wash in the spring! Once it’s nice enough out, this is a great way to clear the worst of the spring sludge and muck from your vehicle, but it can also clear off gravel and salt it may have accumulated from driving on winter roads. Corrosive salt, in particular, can lead to body and undercarriage damage. Make sure wherever you go for a wash blasts the undercarriage of the vehicle with a good rinse.
Get Your Spring Service in Perth, ON
When the time comes to get your vehicle serviced for the spring, our service team would be happy to get you booked in just as soon as possible. The next time you need any service for your vehicle, make Hinton Dodge Chrysler in Perth, ON, your first stop.