Spring is officially nearing! We’ve already taught you how spring cleaning your homes saves you money (read about it here). How about your vehicle? As we transition seasons, here are a few suggestions to ensure your vehicle is as ready for spring, just as much as you are!
For our automobile friends, know that we are trying to help you in educating the importance of seasonal upkeep for your vehicle. We never recommend doing many vehicle maintenance tasks yourself. (In other words, don’t try many of these things at home!) However, it does help to have a working knowledge of what things need to be checked.
Prep Your Vehicle for Spring
As the outside temperatures continue to increase, let’s make sure that your vehicle’s coolant temperatures do not. To avoid your vehicle overheating, it is important to make sure your cooling system is in good condition. For those with limited auto knowledge, this is a great thing to have the technician check when you’re getting your oil changed.
Your vehicle’s tire tread plays an important role in proper traction for rainy spring weather. Historically the penny test was the recommended way to confirm tire tread. However, many professionals will advise you to get new tires as soon as 2/32”. However, 2/32” tread will not prevent you from hydroplaning or losing control on rainy, slushy roads. This is also the time of year to change your tires if you utilize snow-specific tires.
Icy windshields are renowned for ruining windshield wipers in the winter. Do yourself a favor and get a new pair of windshield wipers to prepare for the upcoming rainy season. The improved visibility when driving and the risk of accident reduction are well worth it.
Does the air conditioning in your vehicle work? As silly as it might sound, auto mechanics will confirm that A/C can go out after a season of not being turned on. Before the temperatures increase, make sure yours is working properly.
Let’s avoid you from being stranded. Car batteries last four to five years on average. Both extreme heat and cold weather make your vehicle batteries work extra hard. Be proactive and replace your battery before hotter weather arrives.
Here’s another one for the non-vehicle experts to mention at your next oil change. Windshield wiper fluid, engine oil and brake fluid should all be topped off. Don’t be fooled though if someone tells you that blinker fluid needs to be added too!
Clean vehicles are not just about the looks of a fresh, shiny ride. The paint and undercarriage of your vehicle have been through salt and other winter weather aids that can cause rusting and grime build-up if not cleaned. Might we remind you to move your vehicle’s mirrors in if you get your vehicle washed in an automatic car wash? Mirrors can be moved or damaged if hit by the brushes.
Doing these few actions will help ensure that your vehicle is reliable and ready for your next road trip or daily run. Whether you get a new vehicle or looking at your auto insurance options, we are here to chat. Contact the Harmoning Agency today for your auto coverage needs.