Once
the last patch of snow melts and patches of grass push their
way up through the ground, it’s a sure sign that spring
is almost here. Normally, the first warm weekend triggers a
symphony of soapy sponges, garden hoses and cleaning products.
But while you might be in a hurry to put a shine to your car
- it’s equally important to put your car through some ‘spring
cleaning’ of its own. After battling months of snow and
icy roads, your car is undoubtedly in desperate need of some
serious tender-loving care.
Follow this spring checklist to ensure that your car is tuned
up and spring-ready.
Remove
your winter tires / rotate all season radials — If
you have winter tires, it’s finally time to store them.
If you don’t have winter tires, it’s equally important
to have all season tires rotated or switched out for new ones.
Brake
check — After the cold winter be sure to check your
brakes. One of the warning signs is brake noise, including
excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter.
Clean
the underbody — In addition to washing the exterior,
be sure to spray the underbody and underneath the rear and
front bumpers to rinse away any salt build-up which can lead
to erosion and rusting. Use a high-pressure sprayer or garden
hose for best results.
Interior
clean-up — Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! Be sure to throw
away any unwanted garbage that has hibernated under your seats
over the winter. And now is the time to store your winter
car mats in the garage.
Apply
a protectant — Any vinyl surface including the dashboard,
seats and the steering wheel are susceptible to cracking,
sun damage and fading — be sure to apply a protectant
at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.
Change
oil — If you’ve been using a thinner oil for
winter (i.e. 5W30) change back to 10W30 for warmer weather.
But make sure you stick to the manufacturer’s recommended
oil type for your car!
Check
all fluids to make sure they’re topped up —
In the winter months, fluids are easily depleted as your engine
works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to double-check
all the car’s fluids regularly.
Wash
your car — Just like a good maintenance program prolongs
the life and performance of your car, all vehicles regardless
of the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) require
regular washing throughout the year. To preserve your car’s
shine and protect the surface, wax your vehicle once it has
dried completely.
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