April 05 2024,
Springtime maintenance is essential to making sure your car has stood up to winter challenges and is ready for the warmer weather to come. Here are the seven most important steps to take.
1) Book a Tire Change and Inspection
If you use winter tires, book an appointment to swap them out for summer or all-season tires so you can be ready for the road as temperatures rise. Spring is also an ideal time to check that your tires are still in good condition, even if you use all-seasons, and to rotate them as needed to maintain even wear and reliable handling.
2) Wheel Alignment
If you've driven over potholes or curbs hidden under snow, or simply had to drive on rutted, icy pavement, your wheels could easily have been knocked out of alignment. Badly aligned wheels will increase wear and tear on your suspension and steering, as well as potentially impact safe handling. Once the last of the snow and ice have cleared, booking a wheel alignment check will help ensure your car handles correctly during your summer road trips ahead.
3) Check the Battery
Winter can put heavy stress on a car battery, through the freezing temperatures it has to endure while stationary and the extra work it needs to do while heating the car. Now's the time to check that your car’s battery is still holding a charge and is in good physical condition, so that you can replace it if necessary.
4) Check and Replace Wiper Blades
Cold weather is tough on windshield wiper blades, as the combination of ice, snow, antifreeze, and road salt all take their toll. Check that your wipers are still clearing the windshield without streaks, and replace them if necessary to ensure continued visibility and safety on the road ahead.
5) Book an Oil and Filter Change
In the heat of summer, effective lubrication is even more important to protect your engine. An oil and filter change is a simple, inexpensive way you can ensure your car drives smoothly and reliably as the mercury rises.
6) Check All Lights
During the winter, long, dark days make your headlights and taillights work especially hard. Spring is an ideal time to check that every light on your vehicle is working as it should, inside and out. Even on a bright summer day, working lights are essential for safety, so don't take any chances.
7) Wash the Exterior
After the last of the freezing weather is gone, it's time to give your car's exterior a thorough wash to remove all the buildup of corrosive road salt and caked-in mud. Either take it through an automatic car wash or, if you're doing it by hand, use a high-pressure spray to clear the underside and wheel arches.
Book a Springtime Service Appointment at Dilawri
While all these steps are important, the best way to protect your vehicle's health is through a regular service completed by our highly trained and experienced technicians. To give your car the spring maintenance inspection it deserves, book a service appointment at your nearest Dilawri franchised dealership.
