As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s time to shift your focus from winter driving to preparing your car for spring. Cold weather and road salt take a toll on your vehicle, and ignoring post-winter maintenance can lead to costly problems down the road. If you want to keep your car running into the warmer months, now is the perfect time for a seasonal checkup. Here’s what you need to do to get your vehicle spring-ready after the long winter in Colorado Springs.
Check Your Tires and Alignment
Winter roads can be brutal on your tires. Freezing temperatures cause pressure fluctuations, while potholes and icy conditions wear down the tread and can even knock your wheels out of alignment. If you’ve been driving on winter tires, now is the time to switch back to all-season or summer tires for better efficiency and handling.
Check your tire pressure, as it tends to drop in cold weather and may need to be adjusted for warmer temperatures. Also, inspect the tread depth—if your tires are too worn, they won’t provide proper traction in spring rain. If your car pulls to one side or the steering feels off, getting a wheel alignment will improve handling and prevent uneven tire wear.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather drains battery power, and after a tough winter, your car’s battery may be weaker than you realize. If your car is slow to start or the lights seem dim, your battery could be losing its charge. Testing the battery now can prevent an unexpected breakdown later.
A professional inspection will check the battery’s voltage and connections. If corrosion has built up around the terminals, cleaning them off can improve performance. If your battery is more than three years old, it might be time to replace it before it leaves you stranded.
Inspect Your Brakes
Winter driving conditions put extra stress on your braking system. Road salt and moisture can lead to rust buildup, and heavy use during slippery conditions may have caused excessive wear on your brake pads and rotors.
Listen for squeaking or grinding sounds when braking—these are signs that your brake pads need to be replaced. If your stopping distance has increased or the brake pedal feels soft, get your brakes inspected as soon as possible. Safe braking is crucial in any season, but with spring showers making roads slick, now is the time to ensure your brakes are in top condition.
Replace Wiper Blades and Check Fluids
Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can wear out windshield wipers, leaving them ineffective when you need them most. With spring showers on the way, replacing old wiper blades will ensure you have clear visibility during heavy rain.
While you’re at it, check your wiper fluid levels and top them off with a solution designed to handle bugs and dirt, which become more of an issue in the spring.
Spring is also the perfect time to check all essential fluids, including:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
Fluctuating winter temperatures can cause fluid levels to drop, and dirty or low fluids can affect your vehicle’s performance. A routine fluid check can prevent overheating and mechanical issues as temperatures climb.
Give Your Car a Thorough Cleaning
Winter roads mean salt, sand, and grime build-up on your car’s exterior and undercarriage. If left unchecked, road salt can accelerate rust, particularly on metal components like your exhaust system and suspension.
A full car wash, including the undercarriage, helps remove winter buildup and protects your vehicle from long-term damage. Interior cleaning is just as important—vacuuming out dirt and salt from your carpets can prevent wear and odors.
Get Your Car Ready for Spring with LightHouse Automotive
After a tough winter, a little maintenance goes a long way in ensuring your car is safe and ready for the new season. From checking your tires and brakes to testing your battery and fluids, taking care of these essentials now can prevent bigger problems later.
Winter roads can take a toll on your car—make sure it’s ready for spring with expert maintenance at
LightHouse Automotive. Call today to schedule your service!
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