It’s happening. The snow is melting, the sun is shining and while there is still a chill in the air, it is undeniably Spring.
Seriously, you can check your calendar. Reward yourself and your truck or car for a long winter’s worth of driving, salt, white outs and snow by giving your vehicle a little Spring cleaning. In order to maintain good vehicle health a checkup to nip any issue that may have come up over the past few months may be worth the investment. Especially issues such as rust that need attention before they becomes a real problem. Some of the things on our spring check up list can be done yourself with the right tools and know how, but any mechanical, engine or serious maintenance check ups should be handled by a professional. For a fresh start to the season, we have created a Spring Cleaning 101 checklist for vehicle maintenance.
Wash off the Salt – Clean up the Exterior
Whether you do it yourself or take it to a car wash, it’s time to give your vehicle a good exterior clean. Give your vehicle a scrub down and remove all the grit and salt that’s caked on the body and undercarriage. Salt and chemical ice melters can corrode your vehicle and do serious damage. Now that the streets are cleaning up and the weather is warming treat yourself and your car to a nice clean exterior.
We’re Not in the Clear Yet – Tire Pressure
When the temperature drops so does your tire pressure. While you should be checking your tire pressure on the regular, add it to the list of things to check out in the spring time and make sure you also check your spare tire! It’s crucial to your safety and the safety of others that your tires are properly inflated! Wait until temperatures are consistently over above zero before changing your winter tires.
Keep it Clear – Check your Windshield Wipers
They’ve seen the grit and snow and washer fluid that can degrade the rubber blade over time. Check and change your wiper blades and prepare your windscreen for the summer months and pending showers. The rubber should be making full contact with your windshield and if you see signs of cracking or breakdown in the rubber it’s time for a change.
Keep Things Charged – Batteries, Plugs & Wires:
The drastic winter temperatures can damage your battery and electrical system. Take some time to make sure all these parts are still in good working order as it’s possible that winter has hindered their performance up to 60 percent. Have a mechanic or service professional test and replace old or weak batteries, plugs and wires. These are not things to be overlooked. To maintain the health of your vehicle, make the changes that you need in order to keep your vehicle running into the summer months.
Top ‘em Up – Fluid Levels
Keep track of your fluids and make sure each of the following fluids is checked, topped up and still effective: engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, antifreeze/coolant and, windshield washer fluid. Time, temperature and use wear down your fluid levels and their effectiveness. Change your fluids as part of your regular maintenance check up and inspect for leaks in closed systems. Keep in mind that if power steering or brake systems are low on fluids, you have a leak on your hands.
Giving your vehicle a once over at the beginning of the season is not only good for your vehicle but it’s good for you too. Get a fresh start and a vehicle you know is sound, well maintained and ready for the open summer roads instills confidence in you as a vehicle owner (and let’s face it, it also just feels nice). Looking for parts, advice or vehicle services? We can help! Visit FFUN Dodge North Battleford for more information, online, in person or over the phone.
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