Spring has sprung, and it is time for spring cleaning – even on your car! As the days become longer and winter weather (we hope) sinks further into recent memory, it is time for us to consider bringing in our cars to have them checked. You want to make sure your car is geared up, safe, and ready for the summer months ahead of us. Vehicles usually take a beating during the winter months between the temperature, snow and rain, road treatments, and road conditions themselves. Imagine, if you are ready for summer, so is your vehicle!
In addition to washing your car, there are other areas that you should have checked. Here are a few suggestions for you to think about. As we mentioned above road conditions may have added to the wear and tear on your car. Specifically, potholes may have damaged the suspension system on your car. Your suspension system is an important system. It is a part of the stopping process of your vehicle. If your suspension system is damaged, it may increase the amount of time that it is required to bring your car to a complete stop. So, having the suspension system checked is a key consideration that should go on your spring maintenance list.
We often forget about the number of belts and hoses that work on a vehicle engine. Often, cold, winter weather damages them, which can result in breakdowns. The last thing you want to happen if you are traveling. So, having those belts and hoses checked on your vehicle is another item to add to the list.
Winter may have caused problem with the oxygen sensor on your vehicle. What is an oxygen sensor? An oxygen sensor is key to fuel usage on your vehicle. It measures how much oxygen in the exhaust from the engine. As a result, your engine makes adjustment on the amount of fuel used. If your oxygen sensor is working properly, you get better gas mileage. “a faulty oxygen sensor can reduce your gas mileage by as much as 40 percent.” Cold weather can sometimes cause problems, so it is always wise to include it on your spring check-up list.
You should have the basics checked such as your battery, brakes, and tires. All of these items may be damaged during the winter months. In fact, hot weather and wintry weather are rough on these three parts of your vehicle, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on them as seasons change.
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- Cold weather can damage batteries, so they do not hold a charge. One of the most common problems with a vehicle is a dead batter.
- We use the brakes on our vehicles more often than we realize, especially in wintry weather. If your car is pulling to one side, if they “feel funny” when you press on them, or your car doesn’t stop as it should you need to have your brakes checked.
- Salt and wear and tear is hard on tires. You need to make sure your tires are wearing regularly so they do not develop leaks or go flat.
Finally, don’t forget to change your windshield wiper blades, have your fluids checked, change your oil and oil filter, and have the charging system on your car checked. It sounds like a lot to do and it is, but Friendship Complete Auto Care stands ready to help you with your spring maintenance tasks. In fact, we offer the following deals to help get you started:
- A free brake check
- $10 off on a vehicle alignment
- $10 off on rotating and balancing your tires.
We want you safe and ready for the summer. Come see us today!
SOURCES:
- https://www.cbsnews.com/news/after-snow-ice-and-potholes-your-car-needs-a-spring-checkup/
