Winter weather can be harsh on your vehicle. Cold temperatures stress your engine and deflate the tires while ice and snow wear out the windshield wipers. And with spring on its way, bringing with it a new set of weather conditions, car maintenance is essential to address any lingering auto issues. Below are five car care tips to get your ride ready for spring.

Springtime Car Maintenance Checklist

1. Inspect Tires

Tires are among the hardest working components of your car, so check their condition. Monitor their pressure and inflate them according to recommended levels for better traction and safety. Look for cracks and tears on the sidewall, and check tread wear as you might need to either rotate or replace your worn tires. Bring your vehicle to the local mechanic to check for wheel misalignment, as this problem can cause uneven tread wear.

2. Check Wipers & Lights

Spring brings rain showers, so have the wiper blades examined for any cracks, tears, or wear. And if they leave streaks or smear water on the windshield, replace them. Aside from wipers, pay attention to your lights as well since they’re essential for road visibility. Scrub them to get rid of grime, and swap out dim bulbs for new ones.

3. Test the Battery

Cold temperatures in winter can put excessive strain on the battery, increasing the chances of hard starts. Get a good start with the seasonal change by having your battery tested for a charge to know how much juice it has left. Clean the terminals of debris and rust with a soft brush to minimize likely discharge.  

4. Check Under the Hood

Take your vehicle to a car maintenance facility to have the oil and filters changed as part of spring cleaning. They will also check fluid levels, refill what needs to be topped off, and check for any active leaks that caused the drop in levels. Mechanics will also test the brakes and inspect the belts and hoses for signs of damage like cracks and tears.

5. Wash & Wax

Cars pick up road debris, dirt, and grime, and road salt during winter, which can cause corrosion to the auto body. As such, scrub it down. Don’t skip cleaning your car’s cabin, tossing out built-up trash, and vacuuming every nook and cranny. Once you’re done, apply a coat of wax to protect the paint job and improve its life span.

For more comprehensive car maintenance this spring, take your vehicle to Daves Auto. Located in Spokane County, WA, their ASE®-certified car mechanics have earned a reputation for providing top-notch vehicle work, from oil changes and brake service to tuneups and collision repairs. Call (509) 235-6123 for a free estimate, or visit their website to learn more about their services.