Now that winter is behind us, it’s time to give your car the care it needs to make sure it’s safe and ready for the warmer weather to come.
1. Change your tires
To stay safe on the roads, change your snow tires to all-season or summer tires once you know that the warm weather is back for good. Winter tires aren’t designed for hot summer temperatures. They could even become a safety hazard by overheating and increasing the risk of a blowout. Using winter tires in the spring and summer also increases your braking distances and wears the tires down prematurely.
2. Have your vehicle inspected by a professional
Make the most of your tire change and get your vehicle inspected to check for wear and mechanical issues. It’ll be up on the lift anyway.
All garages have a visual check and inspection plan covering multiple points under the hood and vehicle. This usually includes:
- Brakes, steering, suspension
- Battery charge, headlights and position lights
- Essential fluids like motor oil, transmission fluid and coolant
3. Give your car a good clean
Even if you leave the technical stuff to your mechanic, you can still invest some time cleaning your car inside and out. Washing away the winter salt and grime can help prevent rust and corrosion.
- Put winter equipment away (shovels, cables, blankets, traction aids) to free up space and protect them from humidity and damage
- Give the carpets a thorough cleaning and vacuuming to remove salt and gravel and prevent rust and damage
- Wash the car’s body to remove salt and grime and then apply wax for protection
- Check the body for chips and scratches and make any needed repairs to help prevent rust from taking hold
- Clean the windows and plastic surfaces to prevent discoloration and cracking
Good reasons to take care of your car
At the end of the day, a little effort in the spring could help keep your car cleaner, safer and more reliable. Keeping your car in good condition may even help avoid costly repairs.