Rough roads, harsh winter weather, salt, and sand are a reality for many drivers during the coldest months. Over time, the excess wear and tear can damage your vehicle, leaving you stranded or costing you money at the auto repair shop.
Taking care of these simple spring maintenance tasks now will help you safely hit the roads so you can enjoy plenty of summertime fun.
The Top 5 Spring Car Maintenance Tasks
1. Check for Corrosion Caused by Road Salt
If you’ve been driving your vehicle through snowy and slushy roads all winter, chances are you may not have bothered with regular car washes. But where there’s slush, there’s salt. And salt, over time, will not only eat through paint but can even corrode the metal components of your undercarriage.
Protect your vehicle by starting off each spring with a good wash that includes the undercarriage. Once it’s clean, inspect it for any corrosion damage. If you notice corrosion or rust, take steps to fix it right away. If the damage isn’t too bad, removal and treatment may be possible. However, waiting too long to address the issue could lead to bigger problems.
2. Look at Tire Tread Depth and Uneven Wear
As soon the ice and snow melt off your tires, check their tread depth. To do this, insert a penny, head first, between two treads. If you can see Lincoln's head, you need to think about replacing your tires.
It may be tempting to wait until fall, but you're at risk of hydroplaning during a rainstorm during the spring and summer months. It's much safer to get worn tires replaced as soon as possible. If you see evidence of cracking or uneven wear, bring it to the attention of your mechanic during your next visit, as this could lead to a dangerous tire blowout.
3. Check Battery Strength
The cold weather can put stress on your battery, so have it tested each spring, especially if your battery is more than two to three years old. You can have this done at many auto parts shops for free.
Replacing a weak or old battery typically costs between $100 and $300. While this may seem like a big expense, it’s much better than getting stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery.
4. Identify Any Damage to the underneath Side of Your Vehicle
Driving over snow and ice can cause damage to areas of your car that you may not see. Pay attention to your car's overall performance, and if anything seems "off," have your mechanic check for problems. Also, keep an eye out for evidence of damage like fluid leaking onto your garage floor, as this may be cause for immediate concern.
Often, if you can find an issue early, it'll be less expensive to fix and you may be able to avoid the hassle and expense of having your car towed.
5. Check for Worn Windshield Wiper Blades
No one wants to experience the frustration and terror of driving through a strong rainstorm with windshield wipers that don't make full contact. Avoid this by visually inspecting your wipers for breaks and unevenness along the rubber edge — and remember to top off your fluid.
DIY or Leave It to the Pros?
Many auto repair shops offer a special deal on a "spring tune-up.” But before you make an appointment, make sure the services they’re offering aren’t tasks you could easily perform yourself.
If you feel comfortable conducting a hands-on post-winter inspection yourself, you probably don't need to make a special end-of-winter trip to your mechanic. Generally, unless you feel there is something more seriously wrong with your vehicle, you can save a lot of money by keeping up with basic maintenance in between inspections.
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Updated 3/14/23