THIS WEBSITE USES AFFILIATE LINKS WHICH MEANS WE RECEIVE COMPENSATION IF YOU PURCHASE A PRODUCT THROUGH THEM. VISIT OUR DISCLOSURE PAGE FOR MORE INFORMATION.
For any car owner, the biggest concern is to experience a car breaking down. While you may want to keep all of its parts running properly, it is imperative to know what needs to be addressed first. Spring is an ideal time to take the car into your local auto repair garage to monitor and address the ramifications of the previous winter before they get much worse. Here is a rundown of the best car maintenance tips you need to consider.
As already discussed, there’s nothing like ideal spring maintenance. After your car has gone through severe winter months, a thorough wax and wash is something to consider.
More often, you’ll come across a significant amount of debris, road grime, and, most importantly, salt build-up around the car. A seamless cleaning around the engine bay and the car’s beneath should be on top of your list to eliminate accumulated dirt.
A typical wash rather than a deep cleaning can run the risk of such build-up and may also ruin the car’s paint finish.
The new season provides you with an opportunity to make your car’s interior shine. Find a day for your vehicle’s cabin and get it cleaned thoroughly. It is time for you to get rid of papers, trash, and junk that accumulate over the winter season.
Moreover, do not forget the trunk. Additional gear, such as sand weights and tire chains, can affect the car’s fuel economy. So, keep all these in check.
Inspect hoses and belts
Sub-zero temperatures may damage or harden rubber. In the Spring, you can check all your belts and hoses to identify or locate damage traces.
When you replace the belt, know that you might also have to replace pulleys and the tensioner to ensure the new replacement does not slip.
Check your lighting
An aggressive check of all interior and exterior lighting is essential to stay on the safer side of the road.
Moreover, it is pretty crucial to clean exterior lights thoroughly. Dirty or defective lighting can fail to notify other motorists of your stops or turns, which may also lead to an uninvited collision or accident.
Keep the car engine in good condition by changing your filters and oil.
Regular filter and oil changes allow the engine to stay healthy and running. Oil is essential as it picks up impurities and cools and lubricates your engine, but as it ages, the oil becomes less efficient and effective.
Failing to change or replace it can lead to higher gas consumption, poor performance, and cause adverse damages to the engine.
Replace wiper blades
Wiper blades can experience a significant amount of beating during the cold season.
Experts recommend replacing them during the spring just before spring showers since rain reduces visibility.
Check the battery
The car’s battery takes a lot of beating in freezing or cold temperatures. Spring is considered to be an ideal time to have it tested.
Such a test can ensure it is clipped and mounted securely and its wire connections are robust and free of corrosion.
Car maintenance 101: check fluids
While administering oil and filters, check your car’s fluid levels as well. Check brake, power steering, transmission fluids, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.
If you find the levels of these fluids on a lower side, top them off and replace/flush them.
Besides, remember low fluid levels can also indicate a leak.
Tire maintenance should be part of your car maintenance schedule
You can begin your spring car maintenance by replacing your rugged and hard winter tires. However, don't forget the importance of maintaining the correct tire pressure.
Also, remember to rotate them after every 10,000 kilometers.
Make sure your chassis parts don't need lubrication
A lot of new vehicles are often “lubed-for-life.” However, some may still require chassis lubrication from time to time.
So, check the car’s manual before you go in for any chassis service.
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
A Basic Intro to Prenatal Testing for Expecting Mothers
