Springtime Car Maintenance

As the winter here in southeast Michigan starts to come to an end, we all start thinking about the days when we can roll down our windows and enjoy a drive in the warmth of spring. Enjoying a springtime drive should start with some basic car maintenance activities that will get your car out of its winter funk and ready for the sun and warm of spring and summer. Here are some tips from Car Guys Auto Center on car maintenance activities that will get your car out of winter and ready for spring.

Start with a Good Cleaning

The winters in Michigan can be really tough on your car’s exterior. To keep our roads safe, we put down lots of deicers, road salts, and sand. These materials can wreak havoc on your car’s frame, paint, and wheels. Start your springtime car maintenance by giving your car a good washing. Make sure that you use a good automotive cleaner and really focus on cleaning up the underside of your car. This might be a bit challenging, but you will get rid of all of the road grime that has built up under your car over the winter, and keep the winter-time driving essentials from damaging metal and painted parts. This is also a great time to change windshield wipers and vacuum out your car’s interior.

Get an Oil Change

Now that we are over the stress of winter driving, your car is going to need an oil change. Winter driving is different from warm weather driving, and it places more demands on your car’s engine. One of the easiest ways to help protect your car’s engine and keep it running great is to change the oil as recommended by the manufacturer, or after periods of difficult driving conditions. During your oil change, make sure that you also top of fluids like windshield washer fluid and antifreeze.

Service the Cooling System

Your radiator has worked hard to keep your car running at the right temperature during the winter, but it’s during the spring and summer that it works the hardest. A good flush and refill of your car’s cooling system will ensure that as things in southeast Michigan heat up, your car will keep running cool.

Filter, Belts, Clamps and Hoses

Springtime is perfect for making sure that all of the other filters, belts, clamp and hoses in your engine are in good condition. No one wants to be stranded on their way to their summer vacation. The increased temperatures of spring and summer can soften belts and hoses, exposing leaks. Making sure that all of your car’s belts, hoses and clamps are in good condition or are replaced will keep your car running, no matter where your summer adventures take you.

Tires, too

Many of us have snow tires installed on our cars during the winter months. Early spring is the perfect time to switch from your snow tires to your all-season tires. Snow tires are more heavily treaded, which make them great for getting around in the winter. However, in the summer, snow tires and their extra tread will decrease your gas mileage and can create additional road noise when you are driving. If you don’t have snow tires, spring is a great time to check tread wear, fill up your spare tire, and check your tires for damage.

As we start changing from the cold of winter to the warmth of spring, you will want to start thinking about getting your car ready for summer fun. A visit to Car Guys Auto Center will get your ride tuned up and ready for all of your summer adventures. For more information on our auto care services in Fraser, Michigan or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (586) 285-4444.