Spring has officially begun and now it is time to de-winterize your vehicle and get it hopping for spring and summer. But how exactly does one go about doing that? Good question. Here are 10 helpful tips for getting into the Spring of things.
Check your Brakes: Brakes are one of the most important features on your vehicle, without them life would not be so great. Brakes are also one of the most abused components as well. A very thin layer of the brake pad disintegrates every time you apply your brakes. It is important to replace brakes before they go out. Check the brake pads, shoes, rotors, calipers, fittings, hardware and parking brake.
Check your Tires: A smooth ride starts where the rubber meets the road; with all the pot-holes and ice shards and stuff you have been driving over that was covered by snow, it is important to make sure you check your tires. Check the tire pressure on all four tires and even the spare. Premature wear on the tires can decrease fuel mileage and reduce the life of the tires. Check the surface of the tire for uneven or excessive wear. Also look at excessive edge wear, center wear, and shoulder wear. Any of these itmes can be signs that other maintenance is needed.
Check your Wiper Blades: April showers bring May flowers. Don’t be caught off guard, check your wiper blades so you can see during the rainy season. Heavy snowfall and extremely cold temperatures can cause wiper blades to crack and just not be able to get the job done.
Check your Headlamps, Tail Lights, Turn Signals, and Hazzards: You are driving down the road and suddenly you see red and blue lights in your rearview mirror. After pulling over the policeman gives you a nice little ticket to remind you that your tail light is out. Don’t let that happen. Inspect all your lights to make sure they are in fully working condition. Not only is it required by law to have those working properly, it is safer for you if other drivers can see you.
Check your Air Filter: One of the many features on your vehicle that doesn’t get a lot of recognition is the air filter. It protects the engine from airborne contaminants and allows good air flow. Poor air flow hinders performance and lowers gas mileage. Replace your air filter to ensure proper performance and longer engine life.
Check your Oil: Think of oil as blood for the engine, which is the heart of your vehicle. Engine oil should be checked often and changed to keep the system cleaned. Low or dirty oil could have severe consequences on how your engine performs, especially under the extremes of summer heat and winter freezes.
Check all your Fluid Levels: Vehicle fluids and lubricants should be checked often and changed at factory-recommended intervals to make sure they are fresh and filled. Dirty fluids and low fluids may affect the performance of a vehicle and can lead to breakdowns if not properly monitored and filled.
Check Engine Belts, Hoses, and Fuel Filter: Belts and hoses play an important part in the function of the engine. Prevent breakdowns or engine damage by replacing old, worn and cracked belts. Hoses should also be replaced to prevent leakage of important fluids. Fuel filters should also be replaced to ensure the engine is running as soundly as possible and increasing your fuel mileage.
Check your Battery: It is below zero, you go to start your car and you get nothing. Your battery is dead. Bummer! If your battery survived the winter without dying, make sure you check to make sure it has a full charge. The winter takes a tremendous toll on the battery. Also check to make sure all the cells are full, the battery terminals are not corroded, and the case is not bulging or cracked.
Check your Shocks and Struts: Just like your tires, your shocks and struts have been through the pot-holes and. If you want to maintain a smooth comfortable ride, make sure you check the struts and shocks and replace them if need be. Worn struts and shocks could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle and cause the untimely demise
