When the winter arrives, most of us take extra care to ensure that our vehicles are winter ready. We create emergency kits in case we get lost in a blizzard, we make sure our batteries are in working order because getting stranded in the cold with a dead battery is something nobody wants to deal with, and we make sure that our winter tires are put on, so we can safely trek through the entire winter season.
In the springtime, however, a lot of us still rely on our winter-prepped vehicles to drive us around the beautiful countryside as the trees begin to bud and flowers begin to grow again. If you want to ensure that your vehicle lasts longer and has a healthier life, you will need to do spring maintenance to properly switch to the now snowless drives.
Replace Your Winter Tires
The first thing you should do after the snow has left the forecast is to take off your winter tires and replace them with your summer or all-season ones. A lot of people don’t take their winter tires off for the spring and summer seasons which can wreck the traction if you drive on dry roads. When you take off your winter tires, make sure you clean them thoroughly and store them flatly stacked upon each other until you need them again next winter.
Do a Quick Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning shouldn’t only be dedicated to your house and garage! You should also do a quick spring cleaning of your car. Throw out those old coffee cups and fast food bags that you have left in the back seat, and do a hand wash for both the inside and the outside of your car to give it a nice shine when you drive in the spring sun. Wash off your mats of the salt and dirt that has accumulated over the winter and break out the vacuum to clean off the crumbs from your carpets inside your car.
Check Your Brakes
Your brakes see a lot of use in the winter because of slower traffic and needing to brake early to safely stop without skidding through the snow. When spring hits, check to see if your brakes make a rough or squeaky sound. Also, check to see if the brake check light is lit on your dashboard. If you see these signs, you will have to go to a professional mechanic to get them repaired or replaced.
Check Your Battery
Winter seasons can be harsh on batteries as well. Most people run their cars longer in the morning to heat them up before they make their daily commute to work. This can wear out the battery quicker, so making sure it’s still running properly is imperative to ensure you won’t experience a dead battery when driving in the spring. When you get your tires changed out, as the mechanic if he or she could also check your battery levels to see if you need a replacement.
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