Spring has sprung and it’s time to give your vehicle the springtime maintenance it deserves, especially after this winter we’ve had. (how many Nor’easters was it, again??) The maintenance in question is very important for making sure that your vehicle is not only in good shape to handle the coming seasons, but it is also aimed at fixing any damage or misalignment that might have occurred this winter because of snow, ice, bad road conditions, or just the amount of time you had to go between services. Check out what you need to tackle, and then schedule your spring service with us online!

Start with your tires, even if you drive on all-season tires. If you do use all-seasons, this is the time to rotate them. By rotating tires seasonally, you extend the life of all four tires.

Windshield wiper blades also get the short end of the winter weather stick. Colder temperatures are hard on rubber compounds, and slush from the road is not very helpful when it comes to maintaining the blades. This slush often carries with it corrosive salt used to melt road ice, which can really hurt your blades. Early spring is a good time to you’re running low after winter.

Next, clean your vehicle’s undercarriage. There’s no magic solution to getting rid of the corrosive salt build-up but the best tool is a high-pressure sprayer. Pay special attention to the area around the front and rear bumpers. Once you’ve thoroughly sprayed the underbody, check for signs of rust and take the necessary steps to stop any small rust spots from eating away at your vehicle. We’ve all seen the “snow boogers” that form around bumpers and wheel wells. That’s the most likely place for road salt to begin the erosion process. While you’re at it, you might as well wash the whole car. Winter is not really the time to spend afternoons hosing off your vehicle and chances are it’s been a while since the last time you’ve washed your car.

Examine your brakes. Like wipers, brakes take on a bigger role during wintertime and should be checked to ensure that they’re still in good shape. Listen for brake noises such as grinding, chatter, or squeals. Even if your brakes aren’t making any noises, it’s still a good idea for you or your mechanic to determine the amount of wear on the pads or drums. We often become accustomed to the feel of worn brakes, without realizing that we’ve become used to decreased stopping power.

Check all automotive fluids and top them off if you need to. Driving in the winter requires your engine to work harder and condensation can cause moisture buildup in the engine that creates wear. If your car is due for scheduled maintenance, have the oil changes and be sure to use the proper formulation and viscosity recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Go over the interior of your vehicle. This includes taking out and washing floor liners. Vacuum and clean the carpets, and make sure they are dry before you put the liners back in. A nice, clean interior is one of the best parts of driving after all!

Source: https://exchange.aaa.com/car-care/repair-maintenance/seasonal-car-maintenance/#.WpXIAZPwZTY