Winter’s tale is ended — and so it’s time to take stock of the damage done to your car by months of snow, ice, sleet, road salt, cold, and all the many travesties of the season departed. Modern cars are engineered to take some serious abuse, so unless your vehicle remained buried under a snowbank, you shouldn’t have to do too much. But you will have to do a few things. Here are ten that are worth it:
Modern cars are engineered to take some serious abuse, so unless your vehicle remained buried under a snowbank, you shouldn’t have to do too much.
But you will have to do a few things. Here are ten that are worth it:
1. WASH your car!
You should have done this a few times during the winter months anyway, but now it’s imperative, to remove road salt, grit, and grime — all stuff that will damage your car’s finish over the long haul.
I often recommend paying a little extra — $100 — this time to year to have you vehicle detailed. That means getting it deep cleaned, inside and out. It’s great — you’ll feel like you have a new car.
At the least, however, you should get it washed and waxed, or do it yourself, taking additional time to make sure the lower section of the vehicle is especially clean.
2. CHANGE your wiper blades!
Winter kills wiper blades. But they still have to work when spring rains arrive. The cost is minimal and we can do this for your quickly, or many blades can be easily replaced without help. New blades make for a nice clear view!
3. CHECK your wiper fluid level.
Everybody uses more wiper fluid in winter than in spring and summer.
You can actually fill the reservoir with plain old water, but the blue stuff that you buy at the auto parts store will do a better job of keeping your windshield clean.
4. CHECK your oil.
I’m a change-your-oil-twice-a-year guy, but due to the operational demands of winter on engines, the arrival of spring is a good excuse to check this essential lubricant.
If you’re running low, top off and come on by for our Oil Change Service
5. CLEAN your floor mats.
Many car owners now use synthetic rubber mats that are specifically designed to deal with the rigors of rotten weather.
It’s easy to ignore the buildup of filth when winter is raging, but springtime is the right time to yank those mats out of the car and give them a thorough washing. If need be, replace them with a new set.
6. CHECK your tire pressure — and don’t forget the spare! And check the condition of your tires and brakes.
Winter is also brutal on tires. Now is the time to make sure that all four tired and the spare are properly inflated. It’s also the time to evaluate the condition of your tires and look for cracks, degraded tread, and anything that might lead to a blowout on the road; a Tire Rotation may be in order as well!
Don’t forget to get squeaky Brakes Checked and Repaired immediately to avoid further damage and costly repairs!
7. SWAP out emergency gear.
You won’t need a parka and a blanket anymore. Spring is the season to double check that the batteries are good on your flashlight and that you have a few bottles of water in the vehicle, just in case.
Also replenish flares if they were used during winter and make sure all the components of your tire jack are in the car. If you don’t have a spare or a jack, determine if all the parts of the patch kit are in working order.
8. REPAIR scratches.
Here's how to do it
9. ASSESS your technology.
If you have an older vehicle, you may want to see what new aftermarket technology is available to improve your systems.
If your car is newer, you can check with your dealer to make sure that all your tech and software is up to date.
10. CONSULT your maintenance schedule.
All vehicles need Scheduled Maintenance, so now is a good time to dig out the owner’s manual or go online to see what you’re due for, given the mileage on your vehicle’s odometer.
After the cold weather we have experienced, it is a good time to make sure your vehicle it ready to enjoy the spring and summer months ahead! Schedule your next appointment to have B&B Automotive Services get your car ready for fun in the sun!