Whether you’re a car enthusiast or a casual owner, it’s time to get your car ready for the shift to warmer weather. Here are 8 practical auto tips to help you prepare your car for spring:
Inspect Your Brakes
Look out for dirt, rust, and any other issues that may prevent your breaks from operating perfectly. Test your brakes by taking note of the response time, as well as listening for any odd sounds. Don’t forget to do this in a safe environment so you don’t endanger yourself or anyone else.
Check Your Tires
Cold weather affects tire pressure and it can lead to poor steering response and a drop in fuel economy if it gets too low. Check your tire pressure for your physical and financial safety. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual to compare the measurements and adjust accordingly.
You can also rotate the tires since the front tires wear faster than the rear ones. Rotating them equalizes tread wear and also maximizes their lifespan.
Check Your Steering Alignment
Does your car veer to one side when driving? Your steering alignment needs to be addressed by a trusted mechanic as soon as possible. This may cause extra tension on your tires and wear them out faster.
Inspect Your Windscreen Wipers
If it has been more than a year since you changed your windscreen wipers, you might need to have it replaced. Most windscreen wipers only have a shelf life of 6 months to one year, and this is drastically reduced when you drive in bad winter weather. Test them out by washing your windscreen with windscreen fluid and observing how well the wipers handle it.
Wash Your Car
Thoroughly clean your car, making sure to reach the undercarriage. This is where all the dirt, salt and grime build up during winter. If left there, it often leads to rust and other issues. Clean the bumpers, under the wheel wells, and anywhere else that dirt can get into.
Clean Your Car’s Interior
Spring cleaning includes your car’s interior, too! Toss any clutter and deep clean the floor mats. Remember to keep carpets dry as this can cause issues with the electrical wiring underneath. Inspect your pedals because winter grime from your shoes might have worn them down.
Check The Rest Of Your Car
Don’t leave out your spark plugs, belts, hoses, battery, and anything else you haven’t cleaned. Remember to inspect your oil and fluid levels too. Consider swapping your air filter for a new one because of all the winter dirt.
Spring Clean Your Auto Insurance Policy
Now that your car is ready to step into spring, make sure your car insurance is in order too. Do you have enough coverage? Are you hoping to save on your premium? Give GEBCO a call at 1-800-464-3226 or click here to find out how we can help you.
