The winter elements are harsh on cars, so after being coated in salt, slush, and sand, the car exterior needs attention, and many other parts and systems could use some TLC. Listed below are some things to keep an eye out for to introduce your vehicle to spring:
Replace Your Winter Tires
Tires designed for summer and all-season use are stiffer and designed to perform better on well-lit roads with little snow or ice. Some regions mandate tire replacement when the temperature reaches 7 degrees Celsius. When the weather warms up, the flexible tread rubber in winter tires that provides traction on ice and snow will be less effective and deteriorate more quickly.
Clean Road Salt From Your Car
Winter driving can cause your car to become coated with salt. Salt can cause rusting and other problems on the auto's body and undercarriage. Getting rid of salt entirely occurs when you wash the car underneath. Car washes use spray machines to remove salt effectively. The paint and body of your vehicle will stay pristine if you wash it regularly, even at the end of winter.
Fluid Replenishment
Changing the oil when entering spring is also a great time to check the transmission fluid. A transmission is expensive to repair, and the fluid is often not considered routine maintenance.
Inspect and Replace Worn Wiper Blades
Throughout the winter months, wiper blades are destroyed by ice, snow, and freezing temperatures, not to mention salt and sand. If you see streaks across your windshield after the thaw, it is likely because your wipers have a few nicks or tears in the rubber edge, or the pivots could be seizing up from salty corrosion.
Check that your wipers are clearing properly. If the was no replacement in the past year, springtime car care is a great time to schedule it.
Tests The Lights
Despite the longer days, staying visible on the road is just as important. Make a quick check of your turn signals, brake lights, headlights, marker lights, and daytime running lights. Also, check the high beams and low beams of your headlights.
Prepare Yourself Spring is Here!
If you need to get your vehicle ready for the spring, we invite you to bring your vehicle into Kamphaus Auto Care and Emissions today!