From road salt to ice and snow to potholes, winter weather stresses cars, trucks, and SUVs. Get ready for the warming weather with these spring vehicle maintenance tips.
Winter can be brutal on your car. In our area especially, drivers face snow storms, below-zero temperatures and pot holes — conditions not conducive for healthy cars. Auto technicians say spring is a good time to wash away the winter sludge and tune up your ride. Here are five spring car maintenance tips to keep in mind:
Remove leftover salt
Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to vehicles, especially undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your vehicle to a highly-rated car wash to eliminate salt and dirt, and make sure that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.
Check your alignment and suspension
Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. A reputable vehicle repair shop (ahem!) can diagnose any problems and provide a solution.
Get your oil changed and fluids checked
If your last oil change was before winter, then spring is a great time to do it. It’s also an ideal time to flush your transmission fluid. It’s one of the most neglected services and it can be costly to have major transmission repairs done if you don’t address this simple and inexpensive maintenance need.
We also recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or as directed by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Finally, don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.
Rotate tires and check the air pressure
You should check the tire pressure, including the spare should you ever need it. You vehicle’s tires affect the ride, handling, traction and safety. We recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.
One of the biggest issues we see is the front tires wearing out prematurely. That can lead to handling issues. Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire has great deals on new tires and can often get them installed the same day, with balancing and regular rotations included!
Get your brakes inspected
Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.
Make an appointment at Bockman’s Auto, Truck & Tire for your vehicle’s spring tune-up. We’ll check over all of your critical systems and recommend any repairs or maintenance needed.
