Get Your Car Ready for Spring

Winter driving can take its toll on a vehicle. With rain, ice and snow can come small amounts of damage that aren't readily visible. When the weather starts warming up and spring is in the air, it's a good time to give your car the "once-over" to make sure everything is working right and ready to go. Here are a few suggestions.

Suggestion One:

Check your tires carefully. If they're in good shape, consider having them rotated. This makes them wear longer and saves time and money in the long run. Winter driving can be easier with mud and snow tires, but they don't do well in the spring weather. If you have mud and snow tires, it's time to replace them with regular street tires. Check the valve stems, too. Cold and wet can rot the stems and release air. Stem caps can get lost in the winter as well. Don't forget to check the air in your spare, too!

Suggestion Two:

Brakes are always important. When checking your tires, get a brake check, too. Water and mud can make your brakes sluggish, even causing wear you don't expect. Usually a brake check-up can be found at Midas or a regular tire shop.

Suggestion Three:

Take a close look at your windshield wiper blades. If they were damaged during the winter, it's a good idea to replace them before spring rains can leave you in a mess.

Suggestion Four:

Get your air conditioner checked. The heater was the most important during the cold months, but with warmer weather, the air conditioner is essential.

Suggestion Five:

When the sunshine is set to stay, it's a good time to give your car a new coat of wax. Make sure you have it completely cleaned before applying the wax, and use a good quality wax (carwashes can only do so much...).

Suggestion Six:

Detail the interior of your car. Vacuuming, cleaning the floor pads, washing the interior windows, (there are several good products on the market for cleaning leather and plastic, too), not to mention upholstery cleaners. Taking your car to a detail shop is one way to get everything done in one shot. However, it can be great fun to do it all yourself. The wife and I spend a day together every spring, getting our car ready for the picnic and travel season to come.

Suggestion Seven:

Don't forget to clean your trunk. If you're certain you won't require chains anymore, it's time to put them in the garage for the summer. (After making sure they're in good shape for next year.) Be sure your jack is in good shape, while you're at it. Adding a couple of cans of "Fix a Flat" can't hurt. We always clean out any trash that wound up in the trunk during the winter, and carefully vacuum it. If you plan to take picnics during the spring and summer, a clean trunk is a really good thing! Who wants last years mud on the picnic blanket?

Suggestion Eight:

Getting a lube and oil change is a good idea, too. Fresh coolant in the radiator, and fluid in the windshield washer can be life savers, believe me! Your mechanic (or you) can spot frayed belts or cracked hoses before they become disasters.

Suggestion Nine:

Take your spring-ready car for a spin. Roll the windows down, crank up the radio, and get ready for summer!