After enduring the winter cold, vehicles need to be prepared for warm weather, including very hot summer days, to ensure optimum performance. Here are a few car maintenance tips to get your vehicle ready for the warm season.  

How to Prepare Your Vehicle for the Warm Season

1. Remove Winter Tires

Switch the winter tires out for summer ones or all-season radials. Since the former is softer and designed to stay flexible during cold weather, they wear out quickly in warm weather. If you don’t use winter tires, you should still have your all-season ones rotated or switched out for new ones. Rotating the tires prevents them from wearing out unevenly. Air shrinks in cold weather, causing tires to become under-inflated and more prone to damage when driving. This is especially true for the front tires, as they receive the most stress. 

2. Get an Oil Change

Getting an oil change is an essential car maintenance task. Doing it in spring is ideal because you can have it changed when you get your winter tires removed, saving you another trip to the auto shop. Further, your oil levels often deplete in the cold weather. A professional will use a dip stick to inspect the oil; the color should be amber, not dark and gooey. If it’s off, they will change the oil. They will use fully synthetic oil to keep your engine in good shape, as it can withstand high temperatures and resist breakdown. 

3. Check the Windshield Wipers

The rubber used in winter wiper blades has synthetic ingredients like Teflon and silicone to keep it soft even in freezing temperatures. Summer wipers, on the other hand, have a lighter layer of natural rubber that works well in warm temperatures. Using the appropriate wiper blades in varying temperatures ensures efficiency and keeps the windshield clear for safe driving. Even if you’re not using winter wiper blades, you should get yours replaced as part of your regular spring car maintenance. Wipers can get worn from clearing dirt and debris and being exposed to salt and ice all winter.

When you need help getting your car ready for warmer weather, contact Daves Auto. Servicing clients in Spokane County, WA, for over 40 years, this auto repair shop’s mechanics deliver quality car maintenance services every time. To request a free estimate, call (509) 235-6123. Visit them online to learn more about their services.