Today is officially the first day of Spring which means it’s time to prepare your vehicle for the (hopefully) warmer months ahead! We’ve rounded up some helpful tips to ensure that your car is road-ready for spring.Wash the Underbody: Wintertime driving can coat the underside of your vehicle with salt and other filth that can cause corrosion. Corrosion can then lead to rust problems which will make the resale value of your car decrease as well as making the vehicle dangerous to drive. The easiest way to combat this is by taking your vehicle to the car wash and paying a few extra dollars for an option that includes the underbody wash.
Check Tire Pressure: Almost all cars in the U.S. are fitted with all-season tires. While these tires are safe and reliable in most climates, they aren’t as flexible as traditional snow tires. All-season tires stiffen in the cold, especially when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This can cause cracks and other damage. Additionally, cold weather can cause tires to be underinflated and the onset of warm weather can over inflate them. Also, visually inspect your tires to make sure they’re wearing evenly and have plenty of tread for the rainy spring weather ahead. Bonus Tip: It also doesn’t hurt to have your tires aligned and rotated.
Replace Wiper Blades: During the winter your windshield wiper blades get a better workout than Richard Simmons sweatin’ to the oldies. Even if your blades look OK, replace them if they start to leave streaks on your windshield.
Have your Brakes Inspected: Road salt can impact the condition of your brakes. Salt can corrode metal and your brake pads rely on clean, properly lubricated metal frames to work properly. Even if you don’t think there’s a problem, it’s never a bad idea to have an auto technician check them.
Consider Changing the Oil: Many cars use thinner oil during the winter than in the summer. Thinner oil flows more easily during cold weather and ensures that your car starts more easily. When warmer spring weather arrives, it’s wise to have an oil change and use thicker oil. Even if your car uses multi-viscosity oil, as many do, spring is a great time to change it. Winter is hard on engines, and the oil and filter become dirty. Changing the oil will ensure your engine performs well and lasts longer. Plus scheduling an oil change at Meyer Motors keeps our service technician, Kevin, busy and out of trouble!
Check your Vehicle’s Battery: Because your vehicle works extra hard (just like the wiper blades) during winter, it is easier for the battery to drain. There are also a few signs that it may be time to look into replacing the battery:
Your car has been sitting for too long: Your battery is heavily impacted by your driving patterns. While you might think that driving frequently negatively impacts the health of your battery, the opposite is often true. Your battery recharges while you drive, which means leaving your vehicle sitting for an extended period of time could deplete its charge.
Your vehicle struggles when starting: Have you noticed your engine taking longer to crank than it normally would? Perhaps the lights begin to flicker or you hear an unusual noise when you turn the key? These are all indicators of imminent battery failure. Before your car has a chance to fail you, consider bringing your vehicle to an expert for a starting system inspection or a battery replacement.
Your Battery Is Older and Triggers a Dashboard Light: Most vehicles have a dashboard battery light that is designed to illuminate when your vehicle senses a battery or starting issue. When all else fails, you can also rely on the age of your battery to provide an estimate of when it may need to be replaced. The average car battery will last three years, though this could be affected by your battery brand, vehicle type, area’s climate, car care, and driving patterns.
Although preparing your vehicle for spring may seem overwhelming, it will only benefit your vehicle’s performance in the long run. To ensure your vehicle is thoroughly inspected and ready for spring, bring it to Meyer Motors and let our professionals take care of it, so you and your vehicle can enjoy the spring season!P.S. Don’t forget to take advantage of any Service and/or Parts Specials by clicking here.
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