8 Maintenance Checks You Should Do This Spring

Sometimes it is best to set some of your maintenance tasks to a time of the year—in this case a spring vehicle maintenance check. Some of these tasks should be done more frequently, of course, but as long as it is time to do spring cleaning around the house, why not get it done around your car, as well? After all, some of us seem to spend as much time in our cars as we do in our homes!

Each spring (and each fall, as well, in fact) give your car a once-over with this car-care checklist. Some of these you may be able to complete yourself; others, take to your car care professional for a closer look.:

• Batteries, Plugs & Wires: Winter can be extra hard on these parts of your car, so test and replace your batteries, and check and replace plugs and wires, as well.
• Tire Pressure: Cold weather can affect tire pressure, actually lowering it. So, check all of your tires to be sure they are properly inflated. Check the owner’s manual (or look on the inside of the car door) to find out what the proper pressure for your tires should be. And, don’t forget the spare!
• Belts and hoses: You should have checked these going into the winter, but cold weather can be very hard on these. Check to see if any of your belts or hoses appear cracked, worn, blistered or brittle. And, if they have hit the five-year mark, they may need replacement, anyway.
• Suspension & Wheel Alignment: Winter driving can be hard on these, with the rough roads, salt and chemicals that can cover the streets you drive.
• Fluid Levels: These need to be checked periodically; changing from cold to warmer weather is a great time to see how they are doing. Read more about the fluids you need to check here on TorqueNews.
• Brakes: Don’t forget the brakes! Lines, hoses, brake fluid and the parking brake can all use a good once-over.
• Air Filter: Easy and quick task that can make a huge difference in your car’s performance! Check your owner’s manual for guidelines.
• Windshield Wipers: We too often forget about our windshield wipers, until we need them! Cold air and the chemicals of winter can make a mess of our wipers; check them out and replace as needed. You’ll be glad you did when you can actually see out of your windshield.

And, while you’re at it, give your car a good cleaning, inside and out. Washing away the dregs of winter can be nothing but good for a promising spring!