Winter is rough on cars with all the snow, sleet, and salt. Help your vehicle recover from the long winter with these eight tips for springtime car maintenance.
1. Check Spark Plugs and Wires
We’ve addressed the importance of spark plugs before LINK. They are essential, and hardworking, engine parts. Make sure your engine starts the first time every time by checking your spark plugs, spark plug wires, and spark plug sockets each spring.
2. Check All Your Caps
Your car has more than just a gas cap. There’s a radiator cap, a cap on your brake fluid, and antifreeze, too. Basically, there’s a cap everywhere fluid goes into your automobile. Check them all to make sure they’re water tight. If they’re not, stop by HEART Certified Auto Care for auto parts to prevent leaks and other mishaps.
3. Check Your Fluids
While you’re inspecting caps, be sure your oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, windshield fluid, steering fluid, and all other fluids are clean and at the proper levels. Oil changes should be completed every 3,000-5,000 miles. For more information on that subject, read our tips on oil changes. LINK
4. Clean Your Headlights
Headlights collect grime. Prepare for spring by cleaning off salt, dirt, and other debris that reduce your headlight visibility. If you need a hand, stop by HEART Certified Auto Care, and we’ll have your headlights gleaming in no time.
5. Remove Leftover Salt
Road salt can collect on cars, especially along undercarriages where it can and will eat through metal, leading to rust. To clean salt off of your automobile, swing by a local car wash with undercarriage sprayers. It may cost a bit more than a standard car wash, but it will save money and time down the road.
6. Rotate Your Tires
Rotating your tires assures they wear evenly, increasing safety and reducing the need for costly replacements. Be sure to rotate your tires every season or every 7,500 miles, whichever comes first. Stop by one of HEART’s locations in Northbrook, Evanston or Wilmette today for a quick tire spin.
7. Check Alignment and Suspension
Winter leads to potholes. Potholes lead to suspension damage and misalignment. Keep your car moving straight and steady by checking your alignment and suspension every spring. It’s a quick procedure that is absolutely essential. If you have any questions, contact HEART Certified Auto Care Northbrook, Heart Wilmette, or HEART Evanston today!
Inspect Brakes
Last but definitely not least: check your brakes every spring. And this includes more than just brake fluid. Check the pads and rotors, as well. Not doing so can lead to costly repairs, or far, far worse. Stay safe and ride well by taking your car in for a brake inspection once the snow melts. For an ASE certified mechanic, contact HEART Certified Auto Care where we do more than repair cars: we restore your faith in auto care. For spring maintenance and all your car repair needs, visit HEART Northbrook, HEART Evanston, or HEART Wilmette today!