Winter is hard on everyone, but after months of snow, ice and salt, it’s especially hard on your vehicle! Just because the elements are gone, doesn’t mean you don’t have to take preventative measures with your car to keep it in excellent shape. April is National Car Care Month and it’s the perfect time for a reminder about the upkeep of your vehicle!
Tires - Without your tires, you’ll be going nowhere! Some people forget to remove their winter tires after the snow is gone. If you don’t, the winter tires can compromise stopping performance and wear out much quicker than all-season tires. You also want to check the wear of your tread because potholes can wreck havoc on your vehicle’s suspension. Make sure the tread is even and that there’s enough to prevent hydroplaning in the wet conditions spring brings. Although this is something you should do often, it bodes as a good reminder to check your tire pressure frequently. Keeping them properly inflated will help combat the summer heat that is sure to come.
Exterior/Interior - Giving your vehicle a good clean isn’t only great for aesthetics, but it prolongs the life of the car. Over the winter, your vehicle probably accumulated some of the road salt used to de-ice the roads and this can be damaging to the exterior- especially the undercarriage. Make sure to vacuum out the interior of your vehicle to reduce seasonal allergies that could be brought on by mud, slush and snow that are tracked in throughout the winter. If you don’t have time to give your car a good cleaning, you can always have it detailed at a service location near you.
Fluids - Your vehicle works harder during the winter than any other season -- especially during a Minnesota winter! Because of this, your vehicle also needs refills on fluids more often. Check the levels and fill them up as needed to make sure your vehicle keeps running smoothly for years to come. Not sure what to look for? The top fluids to check are: engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid and power steering fluid.
By performing these simple maintenance tasks, you can keep your vehicle running reliably and avoid future pains. If you hear any grinding, chattering or other noises coming from your vehicle while doing these, make sure to stop by one of our convenient service locations so we can make sure there are no issues. Winter is finally over and spring has arrived; it’s time to hit the open road and enjoy the beautiful weather!
