Spring is almost here, but winter isn’t quite over yet—there’s always a chance for one last snowstorm or sudden temperature dips that can deflate your tires. So, now is the time to prepare your car for spring while still ensuring you can take that last bit of whatever winter throws at you. Here’s what the pros at ABC Paint & Body suggest:
- Check and Replace Fluid Levels
During a winter storm or a wet spring day is not the time to find out that you’re leaking fluids. And in less-than-optimal driving conditions, especially, leaking brake fluid means danger while lack of wiper fluid impairs visibility. So, top-off all levels you can check by yourself, and have an ASE-certified mechanic check the levels you can’t.
- Change Air and Cabin Filters
Spring brings blooming flowers, and with them pollen and allergies. Changing your cabin air filter will help ensure dust, dirt and allergens don’t get caught in your car cabin. And of course, you want to keep that performance-choking stuff out of your engine, too, so get a new oil filter while you’re at it.
- Check Wiper Blades
Snow, ice and cold can do a number on your wiper blades. Before the spring rains roll in, make sure your wiper blades are up to the task of keeping your windshield free and clear.
- Clean Your Car and Check for Paint Damage
Winter driving conditions, including ice, snow, ice melt and clay, can all do a number on your car’s paint job. Chips, scratches, and corrosion will only get worse as time goes on. Touching up now will keep you from more expensive repairs down the road.
- Check Tire Pressure and Treads
Tires can lose a pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop in temperature. Low tire pressure causes excess wear on your tires and lessens traction on roads that are wet, snowy or icy.
Check that your treads are more than less than 2/32” (preferably more than 4/32”)—your tread should cover at least some of Lincoln’s head when you hold a penny, head down, in between treads.
- Realign Your Tires
Winter driving conditions and the aftermath—i.e., potholes—can throw your tires (way) out of alignment. Proper alignment helps your tires perform well and can help your tires last longer.
Following the above tips can help get you and your car safely through anything late winter and early spring can throw at you.
