5 Maintenance Tips to Keep in Mind for the End of Winter
As the temperature starts to rise, the time to bid goodbye to the snowy and cold winter is almost here. This seasonal transition comes with a huge responsibility for car owners every year, mainly because they need to prepare their vehicles for the warmer spring and summer days. The demands of our cars in summer are different from how we maintain them in the winter season. From rotating tires to changing oils to inspecting the engine, there are many things that you need to take care of to enjoy stress-free spring and summer driving. We’re going to welcome warmer spring and summer days soon, so here are a few tips curated by the experienced technicians at Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC to help you with your end-of-winter season auto maintenance.
[Also Read: Why You Shouldn’t Drive with Adaptive Cruise Control in Snow?]
1. Inspect the Engine
Extreme winter weather can damage the rubber belts and hoses of the engine, so you need to inspect it thoroughly before the summer. Look for cracks, signs of loosening and/or frays on the engine belts, as well as check the engine hoses for any damages or leakage that may need to be replaced or repaired as required.
2. Check the Air Filter
For maximum efficiency of the air conditioning system on hot summer days, make sure to change your car’s air filters. Please note that clogged or dirty air filters may also limit the airflow to the engine, which will subsequently increase the engine depositions and/or pollute the spark plugs.
3. Tire Inspection and Switch
When the temperature starts to be consistently at 7°C or above it’s time to swap back to your all-season or summer tires. If you’re wondering why, it’s because you can’t optimaly drive with winter tires in summer because they become softer in warmer temperatures and start to lose traction. So, check your summer tires for signs of wear or damage to fix the problem before hitting the summer terrain.
4. Take a look at Your Car’s Battery
Car batteries work harder during the cold winter because they tend to lose their charge faster in frigid temperatures. They also become susceptible to moisture accumulation in winter, resulting in corrosion and rust; this is why you should inspect your battery before the spring or summer season. Use a silicone-based battery protectant to protect it against decay and clear off all the dirt, mildew and residue.
5. Check the Fluid Levels
As part of your end-of-season auto maintenance, check your powertrain system to refill and check the engine oil, power steering fluid, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and more to ensure they function properly on warmer summer days after exhaustive winter months.
If you need any help with your end of winter maintenance, get in touch with the highly knowledgeable technicians and automobile specialists at Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC, who use OEM manufacturers’ recommendations and the best industry practices to take care of your vehicle.