Whether you’re planning leisurely drives through the countryside or navigating the daily commute, giving your car a Spring maintenance check is key for a safe, enjoyable season.

What maintenance does a car need to transition smoothly from winter to spring? Here are some tasks to cross off your spring car maintenance checklist:

Check and Maintain Fluid Levels

One crucial aspect of regular car maintenance is checking and maintaining the fluid levels in your car, particularly the engine oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid.

Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your car’s engine. It lubricates important engine parts, reducing friction and preventing overheating. Don’t know how to check your oil in your car? Just pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it, and then pull it out again to see the oil level.

The oil should be a clear, amber color and fall between the two marks on your dipstick. If it’s dark or low, it might be time for an oil change.

Coolant

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps manage your car’s temperature. It prevents your car’s engine from overheating during the summer and freezing during the winter.

Check the coolant level under the hood in the transparent refill container and ensure it’s between the minimum and maximum marks. If it’s low, add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Clear visibility is paramount for safe driving, and spring often brings rain and road grime that can obscure your windshield.

Ensure your car’s windshield washer reservoir is always filled up to keep your windshield clean, especially with the increase in bugs and pollen in the spring.

Inspect Tires

This spring, take some time to inspect the tread depth and tire pressure and consider tire rotation and alignment for a safer, smoother drive.

Tread Depth

Tread depth helps maintain good traction on the road, and checking it at home is simple. Insert a penny into your tire’s tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is below 2/32 inches, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is another essential factor that affects your car’s performance and safety. Fluctuating spring temperatures can cause Tire Pressure to change, so check it regularly.

Not sure how to check the pressure in your tires? Use a tire pressure gauge and ensure that the pressure matches the psi(pounds per square inch) recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Tire Rotation and Alignment

Regular tire rotations can help achieve more uniform wear, extending the lifespan of your tires. Typically, you should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Additionally, aligning your tires ensures that they’re parallel to each other and perpendicular to the road, contributing to smoother steering and reduced tire wear. If you notice uneven tire wear or your vehicle pulling in one direction, it might be time for an alignment check.

Test Brakes and Brake Fluid

Your brake pads play a pivotal role in your vehicle’s stopping power. Over time, these pads can wear down, reducing their effectiveness. Look at your brake pads through the spokes of your wheel. They should be at least 1/4 inch thick. If they’re thinner than that, it might be time to get them replaced.

You should also check your brake fluid, which transfers the force of your foot pressing the brake pedal to the brakes. Locate the brake fluid reservoir in your engine bay to check this fluid.

The fluid should be up to the ‘FULL’ mark and clear in color. If it’s low or appears dark and dirty, it’s time to either top it up or replace it.

Check and Replace Wiper Blades

Your windshield wiper blades can wear out over time due to exposure to heat, cold, and frequent use. If they start to deteriorate, you might notice a streaky windshield, which can impair your visibility and potentially compromise your safety.

To determine whether you need to replace your blades, check for signs of cracking, splitting, or general wear on the rubber. Ensure the blades make full contact with the windshield without leaving streaks or water marks behind.

If you spot any of these signs or if your wiper blades have been used for six months or more, it’s likely time for a replacement.

Clean and Inspect the Exterior

After winter, spring is the perfect time for a thorough car wash to remove grime and road salt that can cause corrosion. Use car-specific soap and plenty of water to get every nook, including wheels and undercarriage.

Once dry, apply high-quality car wax to protect against environmental damage and keep it looking shiny.

You should also inspect exterior components such as headlights, tail lights, turn signals, mirrors, windscreen, windows, and paint for any damage. Additionally, ensure your license plates are secure and visible.

Check Lights and Signals

For safe spring driving, ensure all your car’s lights and signals work properly. Check the brightness and clarity of your headlights (high and low beams) and tail lights, and make sure your turn signals are flashing consistently. Also, don’t forget to check your brake lights and reverse lights.

If any of your lights are not working, replace the bulbs as soon as possible. If the issue persists, it may indicate a more serious electrical problem that requires professional attention.

Prepare Emergency Kit

Storing an emergency kit in your car is essential to spring car care. It provides peace of mind knowing you’re prepared for unexpected situations on the road. Here are the items you should include:

• First-aid kit
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Jumper cables
• Tire pressure gauge
• Spare tire kit
• Rain gear
• Basic tool kit
• Bottled water
• Non-perishable snacks
• Blanket
• Phone charger
• Extra clothing

Conclusion

From checking and maintaining fluid levels to inspecting tires and ensuring your emergency kit is well-stocked, seasonal maintenance plays a vital role in your safety and car longevity. Also, take a moment to review your car insurance policy.

Whether it’s a minor fender bender on a rainy spring day or more significant damages from unforeseen circumstances, having the right car insurance policy provides peace of mind and protection.

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