It’s that time of year again – spring! Time to get your vehicle out of the freezing cold weather and into the super hot days of summer. To follow are some quick ideas to get yourself up and running into those summer months!
Get rid of those winter tires!
Your winter tires have a strong tread that is designed to get you through all the snow, slush and ice you encounter in the winter. What it isn’t designed for is the hot asphalt that you’re bound to be dealing with in the coming months. Leaving your snow tires not only means you’ll be paying more in gas (more friction and resistance = more work for your car), but it also means that you’ll be wearing your snows much quicker! Once the snow has run it’s course, it’s important to get those tires off ASAP.
Clean your Undercarriage
Salt, snow and dirt have built up in your undercarriage and can easily eat away at it. Get your car through a wash and be sure to include the undercarriage blast! If you don’t have time for the wash, take it to the do-it-yourself and blast it yourself!
Clean the Interior
All of those nasty “S’s” that we talk about in winter (salt, snow, slush, etc.) have built up in your interior eating away at everything they touch. Spend an afternoon giving your car’s interior a full cleaning (check out bye bye winter for some interior cleaning tips).
Wash and Wax The Car
A coating of wax helps to protect your paint from the elements, as well as rust and other car killers. Touch up any paint chips and make your car sparkle.
Empty the Trunk
I’ve said this before, but a full trunk is a HEAVY trunk. Remove the shovel, scraper, ice, and all the other millions of things you’ve got hiding in there. Not only will it give you more space, but it’ll save you gas!
Listen
Since we’ve been dealing with one of the snowiest winters ever this year, you probably haven’t been rolling down your windows to let in the fresh air. Roll down your windows and give the car a good listen – are there any noises that seem out of the ordinary?
Book It In
One of the best things you can do for your vehicle at this time of year is have it booked in for a tune up and inspection. Have your mechanic give it a good once over, and make sure it’s ready for anything that may come at it this season.
Replace your wiper blades/fill up the washer fluid
Winter is hard on all parts of your car, but your wiper blades get it the worst with all the snow and ice they get pelted with. If they start to get streaky, replace them, and make sure you have enough washer fluid to get you through the season.
Change the Air Filter
This will help you to save gas because your car won’t be working as hard.
Prepare Yourself
Even though you’ve been dealing with the stress of winter driving, you can’t let your defenses down and get sloppy. Make sure you are paying your full attention at all times, and enjoy the warm weather while doing so!
