After a season of harsh weather, cold temperatures and driving through snow and road salt, it's time to give your car some care. As you go about your spring cleaning activities, don't forget you also need to get your car ready for the warm season. Here are some simple car care tips to keep your vehicle in good shape for spring.
1. Check Your Car Battery
The low temperature might have given your car battery a beating. Spring is the right time to have the battery tested and replaced if necessary. Also, make sure the connections are strong and free of corrosion.
2. Change your Car Oil and Filters
Regular oil and filter changes keep the engine healthy. Oil naturally picks up impurities as it lubricates and cools the engine, but it becomes less effective if not replaced after long use. Failure to change engine oil and filter can lead to poor engine performance and higher fuel consumption. Also, if it gets too old, it can decrease the life of your engine or cause severe engine damage.
3. Check your Vehicle's Tire Tread and Pressure
Why should you check the tire pressure? Well, temperature fluctuations between winter and spring can cause tire pressure to fluctuate. Make sure you check the tire pressure before you drive. Remember, over-inflated or underinflated tires can be problematic on the road.
Also, take time to check the tire tread. You can check the tread depth by inserting a penny into the tire tread. If the top of Lincoln's head is out, it's a sign of wear, and you need to replace the tires.
4. Replace Your Wiper Blades
During winter, the ice can degrade wiper blades significantly. Spring is the perfect time to replace your wiper blades to ensure you don't suffer reduced visibility caused by spring showers. Don't forget to refill your wiper fluid too.
5. Check your Car Interior and Exterior Lighting
As you wash road salts and other debris off your car, don't forget to give the exterior lights a good cleaning. Dirty and defective lights can cause problems on the road. For instance, you may fail to notice your fellow motorists, which could cause a collision. If cleaning your car's headlights and tail lights don't help them shine bright, you need immediate bulb replacement.
Spring maintenance is important to keep your car operating at optimal performance and safely for the longest time. If you want to get your car ready for the spring months, we invite you to bring your vehicle to Hometown Tire and Auto today. Our experts will make sure you are prepared to hit the road this spring.