Spring Has Sprung: Time for Your Car’s Post-Winter Health Check
As the last traces of winter fade away and warmer weather beckons, it’s time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves after months of battling harsh conditions. After a season of cold temperatures, harsh weather, and maybe some road salt, your car needs a little extra care. Spring car maintenance isn’t just about keeping your vehicle looking good—it’s about ensuring safety, preventing costly repairs, and extending your car’s lifespan.
Why Spring Maintenance Matters
The winter months can wreak havoc on your vehicle’s systems. Just like you prepare your car for cold temperatures, snow, and slippery driving conditions, there are several maintenance tips to consider in the spring when temperatures begin to rise. Yet experienced car owners know that early attention to winter damage saves money and worry during warmer months ahead.
“Doing preventative maintenance will improve the performance, lifespan and safety of your vehicle’s most important parts. It’s also going to help ensure you don’t have a breakdown at an inconvenient time or place,” says David Bennett, 52, manager of repair systems at American Automobile Association’s national office in Heathrow, Fl
Essential Spring Car Maintenance Checklist
1. Thorough Cleaning and Inspection
Start your spring maintenance routine with a comprehensive wash. Eli starts his spring tune-up by washing off winter’s leftovers, including the salt that can corrode the metal on your car. If you’ve traveled through areas during the winter that used road salt, washing should be a priority. Leaving road salt on your vehicle’s exterior for too long can deplete the color and corrode the metal.
A thorough underbody cleaning is essential for salt removal and maintaining your vehicle’s structural integrity. Pay special attention to vulnerable areas like the undercarriage, frame rails, and wheel wells, where winter damage is most likely to occur.
2. Tire Care and Rotation
If you use winter tires, now is the time to switch back to their all-season counterparts. If you use winter tires in warmer weather, they’ll wear down faster and reduce your fuel efficiency. For those with all-season tires, spring is an excellent time for rotation and pressure checks.
Next, assess tread depth and pressure levels before you hit the road in your all-season tires. The “penny test” is an easy way to check your tread depth. Air pressure fluctuates, especially with changing temperatures. To get the most out of your tires and reduce excess wear and tear, ensure they are properly inflated.
3. Fluid Levels and Changes
Schedule an oil change at the start of spring to help your engine purr all season long. Winter forces your engine to work a bit harder, and the resulting condensation and moisture buildup can create wear.
Your spring auto maintenance to-do list should also include checks of your engine coolant, transmission, brake, and power steering fluids. Check all of your automotive fluids and replenish, as needed. If you see a significant drop in fluid levels, it’s important to investigate.
4. Battery and Electrical Systems
After winter, your car battery might be on its deathbed. Low temperatures forced your battery to work harder by slowing down its chemical reactions. Most car batteries last between three and five years; anything more is borrowed time. Spring is the perfect time to test your battery’s performance and replace it if necessary.
5. Windshield Wipers and Visibility
Thawing, freezing, and scraping over icy windshields can cause wiper blades to warp, bend, and crack. Windshield wipers take a beating over the winter and the rubber wears out. Replace worn wiper blades to make sure you can count on them to clear the windshield completely with no streaks and give you a clear view this spring season.
6. Air Conditioning System
As temperatures start to increase during the spring, it won’t be long before you’ll be reaching for the A/C. To ensure your car’s A/C is fully functional when you need it, have your A/C inspected now before summer hits. Test your air conditioner by turning it on, making sure it’s getting cold and that you don’t hear any unusual noises, adds Bennett. “If you hear the compressor clicking on and off very quickly, that indicates low refrigerant,” he explains.
7. Brake System Inspection
Neglecting your brakes after the winter season could result in costly repairs down the road, not to mention potential safety and driving issues. Winter road conditions can do some serious harm to your braking system, so making sure your brakes are in good shape for the spring will benefit your vehicle, as well as other drivers and pedestrians.
Professional Help in Clarke County
While many spring maintenance tasks can be handled at home, some require professional expertise. For residents in the Athens area, Auto Service Clarke County services are readily available through trusted local providers like Pro Transmissions and Automotive of Athens.
Pro Transmissions and Automotive of Athens is dedicated to providing top-quality auto repair services for American, Japanese, classic, and muscle cars. As a family-owned business, we take pride in our personalized service and attention to detail, ensuring every vehicle receives the care it deserves. Our commitment to excellence in automotive repair has earned us a reputation as a trusted partner for motorists in Clarke County and beyond.
Over 30 years of combined expertise. Industry-leading warranties on all services. Experts in classic and muscle cars. The shop also offers special discounts, including 10% off for UGA students, military, and first responders.
The Bottom Line
Following a comprehensive spring car maintenance checklist is key to keeping your vehicle in top shape. Besides safety benefits, Canadians who actively take care of their vehicle at the start of the season could save a noticeable sum on maintenance costs. The same principle applies to Georgia drivers—proactive maintenance prevents major repairs and keeps you safe on the road.
Don’t let winter’s harsh effects linger into the warmer months. Take the time now to address your vehicle’s needs, whether through DIY maintenance or professional service. Your car—and your wallet—will thank you for the attention. Remember, following these spring vehicle maintenance tips will not only save you money and prolong the life of your vehicle—but it will also keep you safe on the road.
Spring maintenance isn’t just a seasonal chore—it’s an investment in your vehicle’s future performance and your family’s safety. Start your spring car care routine today and enjoy worry-free driving throughout the warmer months ahead.