When spring arrives, it might be routine for you to have your car’s fluids changed, check the tire pressure or have the vehicle thoroughly washed to remove salt damage.
But, winter weather can wreak more havoc on our cars than we may realize. When exposed to colder temperatures, parts can crack or snow can melt and refreeze over them. Come springtime, the roads are covered in potholes that can alter your vehicle’s alignment. As a result, before summer arrives, a transitional period like spring is the perfect time to make repairs and get essential maintenance done.
1. Get It Washed
Road salt can cling to and get embedded in your car’s undercarriage. If not washed away, its accumulation may affect some key parts.
In response, take your vehicle to the car wash for a thorough cleaning that includes the top, bottom, sides and windows.
2. Check the Alignment
Winter driving can throw off your vehicle’s suspension system, which places wear and tear on some parts more than others. If you notice your car pulls to one side or vibrates as you drive, you may need to have its alignment checked and changed.
3. Check and Replace the Wipers
Winter can cause windshield wipers to crack and by summer, they’re useless in heavy rain. Right now, it’s best to check the blades for chips or wearing and if you notice streaks when they’re in use, take the time to replace them.
4. Look Under the Hood
Under the hood, cold can crack, freeze swell or wear down belts and hoses. The combination of these factors may affect functionality, create a leak and even more problems once the temperature heats up. As a result, repair any of these parts before summer gets here.
5. Check Your Fluids and Battery
The cold can also adversely affect your vehicle’s fluids and may even drain your battery. With coolant in particular, now is the ideal time to have your engine flushed and refilled. Otherwise, thinned, thickened or older fluids and a battery with a lesser charge could cause you to break down.
6. Check the Tire Pressure
In the winter, temperatures cause your tire pressure to decrease, so you will likely be adding more air often. By spring, your tires might be over-filled, which can affect your car’s fuel economy and how well it drives. In response, check your tire pressure and have it adjusted to suit the season.
6. Get the Air Conditioning Inspected
Take some time this season to have your air conditioning inspected and repaired so it is working properly for summer. Common problems include low refrigerant, a clogged condenser and leaks. Let our professionals examine and test the air conditioner first to see what needs to be done.
7. Insect Your Tires’ Treads
How did your tires hold up through winter? You needed that extra grip to deal with slippery, snow-covered roads, but now need to get prepared for rain. Bald tires or those with worn-down treads greatly increase your risk of hydroplaning. Before a major storm hits, have older tires replaced.
As you make a spring auto maintenance checklist, be sure to include DaSilva’s Auto Body in your plans. Our technicians can assess your vehicle and make quality repairs at an affordable cost. To make an appointment, give our Naugatuck location a call today at 203-729-5967.
