Spring is finally here, and it’s a literal breath of fresh air in more ways than one. At long last, it’s time to leave the familiar confines of home behind and embark on outdoor adventures. Of course, before you can do so, you need to make sure your vehicle is in a proper state to get you to your various spring destinations.
Courtesy of Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac, here’s a handy checklist of what components need inspecting before you put your vehicle back on the road. Though they’re listed by approximate order of importance, make no mistake that each is vital to your vehicle’s short and long-term health.
1. Battery
Your battery runs a greater risk of depletion during colder months, so the first thing you want to do when the weather warms up is make sure your battery is along for the ride. Although the average car battery lasts between four and five years, it drains at a much higher rate in extreme cold and heat. That makes spring the logical time for a battery diagnosis, to see if it needs replacing before the summer arrives and starts to sizzle.
2. Fluids
As surely as you spent the winter throwing back hot cocoa, your vehicle was guzzling through its own fluids. Consider an oil change if you haven’t done so since last summer, changing your oil’s viscosity to a heavier weight for the warmer weather ahead. Keep your engine oil full to keep your engine protected and functioning normally. Refill your brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant accordingly. Lastly, top off the windshield fluid: if not empty, it’s probably nearly spent from combatting sleet, salt, and other winter build up.
3. Tires
Just as batteries are more susceptible to drainage during colder months, your tires stand a greater chance of deflation. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires could lose a full PSI. If you swapped out for winter tires last year (and bravo if you did), now is the time to make the switch back to summer tires. If you’re rolling with the same tires, make sure to measure your air pressure pronto. Look for your tires’ recommended PSI levels on the sticker inside your driver’s door and inflate accordingly.
4. HVAC System
If you had the heat in your car running continuously throughout the winter, that means the same system that controls your air conditioning hasn’t been taking time off. Make sure you have cool air coming out of your vents before temperatures really start simmering. Refill your coolant until it reaches its appropriate levels. Lastly, replace your cabin air filter, as it’s likely accumulated a good deal of dust, dirt and debris during the winter.
5. Wiper Blades
Your windshield is often working overtime to maintain visibility during the winter. Between snow, ice, frost, and salt, there’s more than enough to keep your blades occupied. As the rainy spring season approaches, take this time to install a set of well-functioning, seasonally appropriate blades.
Checkmate
If you’ve checked off all five items from your list, congratulations! Your vehicle is officially spring-certified. And if you need help with any part of your checklist, fear not: Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac’s certified service experts have you covered. From tire rotation and alignment to brake service and oil filter changes, we’re your one-stop shop for all your maintenance needs.
So put a spring in your step and get down to Waldorf Chevrolet Cadillac today; we’ll make sure you have the means to get to the various adventures that await you this spring and beyond.
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