Springtime Car Maintenance Guide

Spring is in full swing, and that means more driving and traveling to enjoy the warmer weather. Just as you do spring cleaning in your home, you should also make sure to do some spring cleaning on your car. For vehicles, this means maintenance.

Now that the weather is nicer and the sun is shining longer each day, it’s the perfect time to conduct all those maintenance procedures you might have neglected during the harsh winter. Maintenance is key for your car’s performance and longevity, so you shouldn’t delay in following these tips to prevent breakdowns.

Some of these maintenance procedures you can do at home, especially if you’re car savvy, but others may require assistance from a mechanic in Everett, WA:

• Get a car wash: When the snow finally melts away, one of the first things you should do is take your car to a car wash. Make sure you pay for a wash that cleans the undercarriage of your car, as well as the sides and top. Snow and ice can make your car look dirty, but road salt that accumulates underneath the car can corrode the metal and lead to problems over the years.
• Clean the interior: Don’t forget to do spring cleaning for the inside of your car! Clean out all the junk that may have accumulated over the winter, vacuum out any salt, dirt and debris and wipe down the interior surfaces to make your car look, feel and smell great.
• Check the AC: Temperatures in spring can rise with little warning, and you may find yourself wanting to cool off with your air conditioning. However, if you don’t check it before warm days, you may discover that it doesn’t work. Check your AC early to ensure it’s ready when you need it.
• Replace windshield wipers: Harsh winter storms with ice and snow can degrade the rubber on your windshield wipers, so you’ll want to replace them to make sure you’re prepared for spring showers.
• Check fluid levels: Spring is a great time to pop the hood and check the levels of each of your car’s important fluids, like antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, oil and transmission fluid. Top off any that are looking a little low.
• Get an oil change: While your hood is popped, check the quality of your oil and verify the last time you got an oil change. If the oil is dirty or it’s been over three months, visit a mechanic in Everett, WA to get your oil changed.
• Check tire pressure: Changes in temperature can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate, and driving on the wrong pressure can lead to blowouts or flats. Check your tire pressure and adjust it to your manufacturer’s specifications.

Visit a mechanic in Everett, WA for a complete tune-up

Think back to when your car was last checked by an auto mechanic or when you last had the transmission flushed, the oil changed or the vehicle tuned up. If it’s been a while, bring your car to Auto Truck Service Inc. for a springtime tune-up. With over 50 years of auto repair experience, we’ll get your car in great shape for the spring and summer.

Categorised in: Vehicle Maintenance