5 Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Car
Harsh winter weather isn’t just tough on the outside of your car; it’s problematic for everything under the hood, too – including your battery and brakes. Although we’re not quite out of the winter woods yet, it seems everyone is fighting spring fever, which makes now the perfect time to get a head start on spring vehicle maintenance.
1. Inspect your tires.
Check your tires for damage or wear from the harsh winter roads and replace as necessary. Also, now is a great time to rotate your tires. By having tires rotated seasonally, you can extend the life of the set.
2. Examine your brakes.
Brakes take on a bigger role during wintertime and should be checked to ensure they’ve survived. Listen for brake noises such as grinding, chatter, or squeals. Even if your brakes aren’t making any distinctive noises, it’s still a good idea for your mechanic to determine the amount of wear on the pads or drums. People often become accustomed to the feel of worn brakes, without realizing what they’re used to is a deteriorated ability to stop.
3. Inspect your battery.
The cables and terminals should be checked for corrosion and cleaned, if necessary. Ensure the battery is not bulging or cracked in any spots.
Some signs your battery may need to be replaced include:
- Your vehicle cranks slowly when trying to start
- You hear a grinding, clicking, or buzzing when you turn the ignition on
- Your vehicle has stalled
- Your headlights dim when you are idling but brighten when you rev the engine
If your battery is over three years old, or if you suspect it may be failing, call AAA Mobile Battery Service to have a trained battery technician come to you to test your battery. If necessary, your battery can be replaced on the spot.
4. Check and replace windshield wipers if necessary.
Windshield wiper blades take a beating during winter weather. Slush kicked up by traffic often carries corrosive salt used to melt road ice, which can do a number on your blades. Early spring is the perfect time to check and replace them if necessary. Check your windshield fluid as well, since there’s a good chance winter’s wrath exhausted the reservoir.
5. Check all fluids and top off as necessary.
Winter conditions require your engine to work harder, and condensation can cause moisture build-up in the engine that creates wear. If your car is due for scheduled maintenance, have the oil changed per the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Some other fluids to have checked include coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid.
AAA Approved Auto Repair shops offer expert, trusted service, and can help with your routine maintenance or extensive repair needs. Visit AAA.com/AutoRepair for more information on exclusive Member benefits or to locate your nearest repair facility.