10 Tips to Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring Driving

As a responsible car owner, you know how important it is to get your car ready for spring. You want your car to run well, look great, and have a long life.

Follow these 10 tips to get your vehicle humming in time to hit the road for some spring driving.

1. Change the oil and filter

To keep your engine running without a hitch, your oil and filter need to be changed at regular intervals – as recommended by your vehicle owner’s manual.

Skipping it will cause your engine to run poorly, your car to use gas less efficiently, and – if neglected for too long – could even cause major damage.

2. Check all the fluids

At the same time you get your oil and filter changed, your trusted mechanic should check all your vehicle’s fluid levels, too.

This includes windshield washer fluid, coolant, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids.

3. Replace your wiper blades

For the May flowers to bloom, we need the April showers. And you need wiper blades that are in good enough shape to handle even the heaviest rain. If they’re torn or cracked, they won’t be much help.

4. Check your battery

Winter is rough on a car’s battery. As you head into spring, it’s a great idea to have your mechanic give it a check as part of your spring maintenance.

Part of this inspection involves making sure the connections are secure and there’s no corrosion. If the battery is over five years old, your mechanic may recommend that you replace it.

5. Fix any windshield issues

A rough winter can leave your windshield chipped or cracked. Did you know that any damage to your windshield can make your car’s roof less stable and your airbags and seatbelts less effective?

It may not seem like a big deal, but your safety could be at stake. It’s in your best interest to get it taken care of as soon as possible.

6. Check your lights

You want other drivers on the road to know what your intentions are. That’s difficult when you have a turn signal or a brake light out. Make sure all interior and exterior lights are working and shining brightly.

7. Lube the chassis

Newer vehicles may not need this service but older ones might. Your mechanic will know which parts of your vehicle require some periodic lubrication.

8. Inspect the belts and hoses

Cold temperatures can cause your belts and hoses to become brittle and break or crack. When examining the belts and hoses, look for unusual hardening, softening, leaking, or blistering.

Belts shouldn’t display any signs of fraying or looseness.

9. Check all the filters

Your vehicle has a lot of filters, including the air filter, the cabin air filter, and your fuel filter. Each one will need to be checked and periodically changed to keep your car running smoothly.

10. Assess your tires

Your tires are the most important thing between you and the road. It pays to take care of them. You should check the tire pressure at least once a month to make sure they’re meeting the guidelines outlined in your owner’s manual.

Look for uneven wear, low tread-depth, cuts or punctures.