Spring weather is on the way soon (we hope), and that means you’ll likely be driving more on roads full of salt and other winter debris. It’s always good to ensure your vehicle is ready for outdoor adventures. Here are six service center tips to ensure your vehicle will be road ready for the spring months coming very soon!
Wash and Wax
A thorough wash and wax is very important if you live in a colder region as we do. Winter brings a lot of road grime like salt, piles of dirty snow, sticks and dirt that are frozen, and slush among other things. Letting dirt and debris build up on your car will affect the paint and finish and the salt could cause rusting. Pay attention to the interior as well; salt can erode the vehicle from the inside out and dirt can stain or ruin your flooring if you don’t have proper floor mats.
Replenish Fluids and Filters
Depleted fluids can become a significant issue for your car. During the colder days, it’s hard to remember your fluids and how the cold weather can freeze or affect them. Make sure your coolant, brake fluid, oil, transmission, and windshield wiper fluids are all full, or keep them as full as you can during these colder months. You should consider changing the filters and staying on top of your routine oil changes. While you are under the hood, it would be best to do a battery voltage check because cold weather can drain batteries even more, especially if your car is left outside in the cold. Make sure to inspect the air filters and change them if needed because a clogged air filter will severely impact your engine’s performance.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Your wiper blades get a good workout from the winter, but let’s be honest...Wisconsin weather can always be unpredictable. Check for signs of cracking and wear due to ice buildup. Spring brings showers so be sure your wipers are in good working order to handle the snow, sleet, and sometimes mild rain when the temperatures aren’t cold enough for the other two.
Check Your Tires
Your tire pressure is especially important during the winter into spring months. As the air temperature gets colder in the winter, your tire pressure decreases, but as the air starts to warm up for spring, the tire pressure can increase. If your air pressure increases past your tire’s specifications, it can affect your car’s drivability. Inspect your treads, and if they are low, then change your tires. Make sure your tires are not over or under-inflated. This can affect many things with your car such as drivability and wear and tear on your tires.
Brake Inspection
Bring in your vehicle for a free brake inspection here at Schmit Bros. You might not have to go into the repair shop to inspect your brakes- it’s relatively easy to check the amount that’s left on your brake pads on many of today’s vehicles by a glance under the vehicle.
Alignment and Suspension Check
Winter is known for damaging roads, which can be bad for your vehicle. If you find yourself frequently driving on roads with huge potholes or cracks in the asphalt, it could damage your suspension components and ruin your car's alignment (let’s be honest, in Wisconsin, this is touch-and-go on many of our roads). If you've taken your car to a mechanic to check your tires and brakes, ask for a quick suspension and alignment check to make sure everything is in working order.
Prepare for Spring at Schmit Bros. Auto
These car care tips will help you transition into another season of stress-free driving. Springtime is also known as a time of renewal and if you are looking to do some maintenance on your vehicle, come visit us here at Schmit Bros. We have both Ford and Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram service centers with knowledgeable advisors that have been providing exceptional service for over 110 years here in Wisconsin! Looking to replace your old car with a new one? Visit us or give us a call today and we are happy to help! We have a great variety of vehicles to choose from.