Your car spent the winter season driving in cold, icy conditions over snowy roads covered in rock salt. Although spring has arrived, those factors may have taken a toll on your vehicle, from salt-accelerated corrosion to pothole-related damage.
Now is the time to clean off your vehicle and have these issues addressed before they become serious.
Wash and Wax
Washing your car will help remove any traces of road salt. Skipping this step can lead to rust and corrosion down the line. According to AAA, drivers have spent $15.4 billion over the past five years repairing rust related to de-icing solutions. For a thorough cleaning, make sure the undercarriage gets sprayed.
Suspension & Wheel Alignment
Potholes are small-to-large road depressions that can throw your car out of whack when hit, misaligning your wheels and suspension system. In turn, this factor may cause uneven or premature wear on tires.
How can you tell your car needs to be realigned? It may feel like your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates while you’re driving.
Oil and Fluid Levels
Regardless of the season, never neglect changing your oil. This solution keeps your car’s moving parts lubricated and prevents friction. Long term, too little or poor quality oil can have a negative effect on your engine. As such, if you haven’t changed your oil since fall, have the old solution flushed and new fluid put in.
Don’t forget about the other fluids your car needs. Because debris can get into your transmission fluid, think about having it flushed this time of year to remove all remnants of winter. Because you’ll likely be driving more this summer, top off the brake, window washing and cooling system fluids too.
On the subject of your cooling system, consider a coolant flush to remove all deposits and debris that have built up in the radiator. Doing so, you add clean fluid and ensures the system operates efficiently.
Check the Brakes
For the longer summer trips ahead, ensure your car’s brake pads are thick enough and meet state minimums. For your safety and to avoid higher-dollar repairs down the road, have a technician check out the pads and rotors before you plan any major road trips.
Tire Pressure
The colder temperatures of winter serve as a good reminder to keep your tires inflated. Spring’s weather has the opposite effect, so it’s important to regularly check the tires aren’t above the manufacturer’s recommendations. Before you end up with a flat or lose gas mileage, check your tire pressure and adjust the PSI as needed.
Wiper Blades
Spring brings rain showers and you don’t want to get caught with poor performing or broken wipers. Check your blades for cracks and other signs of wear, plus note any streaks the next time you use them.
Schedule your springtime tune-up with DaSilva’s Auto Body! To make an appointment, contact us today.
