After winter comes a beautiful time: Spring. The birds are chirping, the temperature’s rising, and Summer is on its way. It’s that special time when the world gets washed clean, and everything appears alive again. It’s also an excellent time for car maintenance. With the warmer weather comes a chance for you to make sure your car is ready for whatever may come it’s the way this summer. And with that, here are some spring tips you can use to prep your vehicle for the warmer months ahead.
Car Maintenance Tips To Consider
Check Brakes
Spring is here, and the weather is getting warmer. That means it’s time to get your car ready for summer. Brakes are one of the essential safety features of your car, and they help you stop quickly and safely when there’s an obstacle in front of you (or when you’re approaching one). However, when they’re poorly maintained, they can cause serious accidents that result in injuries or even death. So you must check them regularly — especially before taking any long trips.
Look for signs of damage or wear such as cracks or grooves on rotors, pads, or drums; uneven pad wear; or a spongy pedal feel. If anything seems off, consider getting them checked by a professional mechanic before driving long distances.
Car Wash
If you have to wash your car, use a high-quality car soap and a soft sponge to avoid scratching the paint. Rinse off the vehicle with a hose or bucket of water until all soap and dirt are gone, then dry it with a chamois or microfiber towel. If you don’t have one of these handy tools, use paper towels or old T-shirts instead.
Change Oil and Filter
This is often one of the most overlooked maintenance tasks. If you don’t change your oil every 3,000 miles, the engine will eventually start to wear down prematurely. It’s also essential to change the oil filter every time you change the engine oil.
Check Fluid Levels
Check all of your fluid levels (engine coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid) and ensure they’re within normal limits. Replace fluids as needed.
Lubricate Hinges
Use silicone spray lubricant on door hinges and locks to make them operate more smoothly. You should also grease up any other moving parts with exposed metal surfaces (such as door latches).
Replace Belts
Inspect belts for cracks or frays; replace OEM-grade replacements from an auto parts store if necessary. Belts are inexpensive parts but can cause severe damage if left unchecked for too long; replacing them regularly will extend belt life.
Check Tire Pressure
Tires hold about two pounds of air pressure per square inch (psi) at room temperature, but that drops by one psi for every 10 degrees below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). If there’s a significant temperature difference between where you live and where you’re going on vacation, make sure to raise or lower tire pressure accordingly, so tires don’t lose too much pressure over several days of driving in extreme heat or cold.
Check Windshield Wipers
One of the most important things you can check your wiper blades and make sure they’re in good condition. This will ensure that they can clear rain, snow, and dirt from your windshield when you need them most. If you have an older model car, replacing the blades may be more cost-effective than repairing them.
Need A Tow? Call Us Today!
Even with checking everything on this Spring car maintenance tip list, breaking it down when you least expect it is still possible. At those times, reach out to Marietta Wrecker. We are a family-owned and operated commercial towing service, and we are here for you!