March 20 marked the official first day of spring. Although the warmer weather is welcome by all, April’s showers make for slippery roads and the potholes that began forming over winter will come to bloom in the coming weeks and months. A well-maintained car is a safe car, which is what you’ll need for springtime driving.
Car maintenance should be done year-round, but there are certain aspects to pay particular attention to when spring arrives. Whether tackling these tasks yourself or leaving it to professionals, here are some spring car care tips to be mindful of.
Test Your Car Battery
Car batteries work harder to power vehicles during the winter. The best way to maintain your car battery is to take longer drives (approximately 30 minutes) on a regular basis. These trips allow the battery to regain its charge. You should also make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of any corrosion. Corroded terminals prevent the flow of electricity.
Roughly one-quarter of all roadside assistance calls AAA Northeast receives are battery related.
Wash Your Car
Don’t forget to include a good cleaning on your spring car care to-do list. Snow, ice and salt can leave your car looking worse for the wear. Washing your car may seem straightforward, but there is a right way to do it. Improper washing is not only ineffective, it can cause damage. The correct process includes using a two-bucket method and a microfiber cloth. Learn specific details about cleaning your car at: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/cars-trucks/how-to-properly-wash-a-car/.
Don’t limit your cleaning to the car’s exterior. The cabin needs just as much attention. This includes vacuuming, getting rid of any unwanted smells and sanitizing the vehicle. Once you’re done washing, consider applying a coat of wax. This extra step gives the car’s paint an extra shine and a protective coat.
Don’t Forget Your Car Fluids
One of the most common car care mistakes motorists make is ignoring their vehicle’s fluids, especially engine oil. Clean oil extends the life of your vehicle and helps with engine cooling, so make sure to change your oil according to the manufacturer’s time or mileage recommendations. Changing engine oil is a fairly easy maintenance task. The experts at AA guide you through the process at: https://magazine.northeast.aaa.com/daily/life/cars-trucks/change-your-own-oil/.
Just make sure to dispose of the old oil properly and safely when you’re done.
Engine oil isn’t the only fluid to keep an eye on. Coolant, transmission, brake and power-steering fluids should be checked regularly. They can become ineffective if they get contaminated or the levels drop too low.
Check Your Tires
Winter takes a toll on car tires on multiple fronts, especially when it comes to air pressure. Tires will lose roughly 1 pound per square inch of pressure with every 10-degree drop in temperature. Low tire pressure causes gas mileage to drop and can be a safety hazard. Underinflated tires make it more difficult to steer and stop and can lead to a blowout. Make sure to test your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended level.
Rough winter roads can also wear away the tire’s tread. Proper tire maintenance includes ensuring there is more than 4/32 of an inch of tread on each tire. A quick and easy test is to insert a quarter upside down (Washington’s head first) into the tread. If the tread does not reach the top of his head, it’s time for new tires. While you’re inspecting the tires, look for cracks, cuts, chips or dry rot.
Also: Don’t forget to also check your vehicle’s spare tire, jack, lug-wrench and wheel lock. If your vehicle’s spare is located under the car, make sure the mechanism that holds the spare tire is working properly.
Other Considerations
Jason Malo of AAA-approved Advanced Auto, Inc. emphasized the importance and benefits of consistent maintenance. “When we’re performing regularly scheduled maintenance, we’re actually extending the life of your vehicle,” he said. “You’ll have fewer (if any) unexpected expensive repairs, and you’ll be able to drive your car for many miles more.”
A few more spring car care reminders:
- Steering, suspension, shocks and wheel alignment should be examined. “Misalignment causes the tires to wear abnormally and wear out too quickly,” Malo warns. “You should have your car’s alignment checked, and adjusted as needed, at least once a year.”
- Cars that sit for longer periods of time (months or more) can develop brake issues. Have the rotors, calipers and pads checked before heading out.
- Engine filters can become clogged with dirt, dust and pollen. Get these checked and replaced, if needed. “If [a filter] is dirty or old, your car probably isn’t getting enough air,” Malo says.
- Hoses and belts can dry out and crack in the winter. Better to find out before you hit the highway on a long drive.
- Rodents and other small critters often take up residence in vehicles to escape the cold. They often build nests and chew wires and hoses, so check for damage under the hood.
Source: AAA
