Depending on where you live, winter conditions can leave your vehicle in a mess. Salt and snow and ice removal chemicals can wreak havoc on your car’s undercarriage. Sand and road debris can even damage the paint and require repairs. Therefore, vehicles need attention. Your automobile will need a tune-up as the weather warms.
AARP, the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people over 50, offers some helpful tips. There’s no reason why your vehicle shouldn’t be in perfect driving condition this spring.
Washing and exterior and interior details
Near the end of the winter months, road debris and chemicals build up in the paint and cover the car’s undercarriage. Deep cleaning a vehicle from top to bottom will protect your car from the corrosive chemicals that build up on various surfaces. But be careful not to open the hood and spray the engine. Excess water can damage electrical components. Use a damp cloth instead.
Once the exterior is done, it’s also a good idea to take care of and tune up the interior. The salt stuck to the bottom of your winter boots will be on the car floor. It is essential to vacuum the granules and other debris that can cause corrosion inside. It is necessary to remove the carpets from the floor, place them with a hose and leave them to dry outside. Cleaning the dashboard, seats, steering wheel and windows will make the interior look great for spring.
Inspection of the brushes
The wiper blades work tirelessly during the snowy months. But it is important that the brushes work well even in the warmer months.
To remove debris, vehicle owners should run a damp cloth or paper towel over the leaves. Then, by turning on the windshield sprayer, see how they work. If there is excessive streaking or noise, this means that the rubber is damaged and the wipers need to be replaced. Don’t forget to check your rear wipers if you have them.
Refill liquids
With the engine off and cool, open the hood to check the fluid levels. Instructions are in your car’s owner’s manual for the correct engine oil types and brake, coolant, transmission, power steering, and coolant levels.
If any system matches the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule, it will be important to check. While you’re under the hood, also look for cracked belts and hoses. Adjustments may also include changing the spark plugs.
Air filter upgrade
Dirty air filters can reduce fuel economy by nearly a tenth. Debris buildup will prevent your engine from running efficiently.
You want to check the engine filter under the hood and the cabin air filter, usually behind the glove box. If you don’t have a replacement, you can always hit it on a hard surface to remove debris until you can get a new one.
Examining the tires
If you have winter tires on your car, you’ll want to swap them out for warmer weather tires. If not, check for signs of wear, especially the bulging areas on the sidewalls.
For vehicles that have been parked for a while, make sure the air pressure meets the manufacturer’s standards. This information will be found on the sidewall of the tire. Underinflated tires wear out faster and reduce gas mileage, so add air when needed. Also, don’t forget to tune up the spare wheel.
What’s the most important auto-adjustment tip for spring?
The hottest months of the year will be much harder on the battery than the coldest months. It’s also one of the most irritating things to get in your car before a spring drive, and you can’t start it. Salt and road debris can build up on the battery terminals. Before cleaning them, make sure the battery is disconnected. Then make sure that the terminal wires are firmly secured in place, as well as the battery itself. If the battery moves while driving, it could damage some electronic components.
However, the battery might be low with charging. If it’s more than two or three years old, take it to a local auto parts store to test the battery charge. In warmer climates, batteries last between two and four years, and it is crucial to buy a replacement if the battery is not in perfect condition.
Making the adjustments mentioned above will improve the performance, longevity and safety of your vehicle and its components. It will also ensure you don’t have any awkward breakdowns this spring.
