AUTOMOTIVE
Get Your Vehicle in Shape for Spring
Shake off those winter blues and get your vehicle ready for warmer weather with these essential maintenance tips.
By Matt Bubbers | Illustrations by Guilherme Henrique
Warm and sunny days are on their way! Before you know it, the first green buds will be sprouting, and you might begin plotting a truly spectacular spring road trip. But before all that happens, it’s worth spending a little time to ensure everything about your vehicle is in order. Follow these spring maintenance tips — and follow up on anything that needs professional attention with your local CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS™) facility.
Fluids and Cleaning
A good spring cleaning is important in order to wash all the corrosive salt and winter grime off the vehicle — both inside and out. If you notice any chips in the paint, a little touch-up will help prevent rust. Next, you’ll want to ensure all fluids are topped up; it’s an easy way to help your car run well and last longer. Fluid levels — like washer fluid, coolant and engine oil — can usually be checked by popping the hood. Other fluids — in your brake lines, power steering system and transmission — require a mechanic. Check for puddles under the vehicle — a telltale sign of a leak. Finally, check to make sure wiper blades aren’t torn or cracked. Even if they’re not, a fresh set of wipers can vastly improve visibility, so get into the habit of changing them when you do your semi-annual maintenance or when swapping your winter and summer tires.
Tires and Suspension
When should you switch out winter tires for all-season or summer rubber? Just follow the “7-for-7” rule: after seven consistent days with temperatures above 7°C, it’s time to take off those winter tires. Keep an eye on tire pressure too, as it can be affected by big temperature swings. Inflating tires to the recommended pressure will help them last longer and perform their best. Finally, take a moment to consider your vehicle’s suspension, especially if you drive on roads with potholes. If something feels off, it’s worth having an AARS™ shop check the wheel alignment and suspension components. Proper alignment will also ensure your tires last as long as possible.
Battery and Electrical
Spring is as good a time as any to check that all lights and indicators are working properly — winter salt can slowly damage electrical wiring. Replacing a faulty bulb may be straightforward, but some more complex lighting systems may require professional attention. It’s also a good idea to give your car’s battery some attention. Signs of failure can include dim headlights, trouble starting the engine or a warning light on the dash. Inspect the battery for corrosion around the terminals, and carefully clean them. Swelling or bulging of the battery means it needs to be replaced immediately. CAA’s mobile Battery Service can test the battery and replace it if needed.
Brakes
Winter is hard on brakes. Road salt and grime can gradually remove the lubricants that keep brakes working properly. While switching to warm-weather tires, have your vehicle’s brakes inspected (since the wheels will be off anyway). Some manuals make no mention of brake fluid changes. If that’s the case, it’s a good idea to flush the brake fluid every two years and get it checked every time you get an oil change. A brake pedal that feels spongy or mushy could be a sign of trouble. Your mechanic will check for issues including corrosion, leaks, brake-pad wear, warped rotors and air in the brake lines. They’ll fix any problems and give you confidence in your vehicle’s braking ability.
Engine and Drivetrain
Warning lights on the dash are a sure sign that it’s time to get any concerns diagnosed by a professional. In terms of preventive maintenance, always follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule, found in the owner’s manual. It’ll tell you how often to change the oil and replace spark plugs, belts and air filters. Moreover, your owner’s manual will outline any other regular maintenance required. Follow that, and if a warranty issue ever arises, you’ll have proof that your vehicle has been properly maintained. Note that the official schedule is just a baseline. Older vehicles or vehicles that are driven hard will likely benefit from more frequent maintenance. As always, your local AARS™ shop will be able to offer trustworthy advice and high-quality service tailored to your driving habits and vehicle. CAA
Your questions answered
Why is my A/C blowing warm air?
This is an issue you’ll want to get looked at in spring, before the summer heat hits. The cause of the issue could be a refrigerant leak, an A/C compressor failure, or perhaps a clogged air filter or cabin blower motor issue.
Are summer tires better than all-seasons?
It really depends on where and how you drive. If high performance is what you’re after, summer tires stop and corner better in warm weather. All-season tires offer more traction on gravel and dirt, and likely deliver a smoother ride.
Do summer windshield washer formulations really make a difference?
Yes, summer washer fluid is better at cleaning bugs off your windshield. But summer fluid freezes easily, so change back to the winter formula before the temperature drops.