Winter is having a difficult time letting go this year. Some states are still dealing with late winter snow storms. Spring is just around the corner, and whether you are one of those who is a strict planner or a fly by the seat of your pants type, there are things you should consider before you take your car on the road this Spring.

 

What You Can Do on the Inside

From under the hood to the contents of your trunk, there are several things you can do to help your car continue to run as intended.

 

Check the Spare -One of the most common reasons for a vehicle breakdown is worn tires. Most people do not find out their spare is bad until they are on the side of the road changing a flat tire.

 

Check battery -Winter weather is taxing on a car battery. It drains faster in colder weather than it does during the warmer months. Most auto parts stores will test your battery for free.

 

Tune-up -A tune-up is to a car what a physical is to the human body. It checks all essential systems to verify that they are functioning at their peak performance. Among the items checked during a tune-up are:

• Belts -Check belts for cracks and fraying. Replace them if any damage is evident.
• Hoses -You are also looking for cracks and wearing, especially around the connections.
• Air filter -A dirty air filter prevents your car engine from breathing.
• Spark plugs and wiring -The cold weather can cause wiring between the distributor cap and the plugs to become brittle and crack causing a loss of power.

 

Check fluids -Don’t wait for a “check engine” light to come on for you to be concerned about your engine’s vital fluids. Don’t be fooled that only gas, water, and oil make a car run. Check these fluids not only going into Spring but regularly.

• Oil -If you are properly maintaining your car you are changing the oil as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generally, every 3-5,000 miles. Keep an eye on that dipstick and make sure your engine is not burning oil quicker than it should.
• Transmission -This fluid should also be checked regularly, but every so often the transmission could use a flush. Spring would be an excellent time to have that maintenance done, especially if your car has been running sluggish.
• Wiper -This fluid is used up quickly during the winter to clean off the grime and road salt. Water alone won’t work.
• Brake -Without the proper level of brake fluid, your car’s brakes could fail to activate or lock up.
• Radiator -Another common breakdown is the overheat. Check this fluid the most often. Just as your transmission needs an occasional flush, so does your radiator. If you begin to see a puddle under your car or your car gets hot quickly, you may be dealing with a leak.

 

Detail your car’s inside – This goes beyond wiping down the dash and vacuuming the floor mats. Cleaning the trash from inside of your vehicle can help prevent thieves from trying to break in because they see a department store bag.

 

What You Can Do for the Outside

 

Inspect tires. -Inspecting your tires involves checking tire tread for excessive wear. Maintaining the proper pressure will prolong the life of your tires. This is also the time for you to rotate your tires to promote even wear.

 

Replace wiper blades. -Wipers are used continuously during the winter. To have a clear view of the road during the upcoming spring showers, replace your blades.

 

Clean headlights. -Road salt, dust, and other bug debris build up on your headlights impeding their effectiveness. There are many do-it-yourself techniques as well as over the counter products you can use to clean that haze that prevents your headlights from lighting the road properly.

 

Detail your cars outside. -Give your car a thorough washing. Once again road salt and snow slush build up and can cause premature rust. Don’t neglect the undercarriage and the places that aren’t readily seen.

 

If you have any doubts about what products or fluids to use, or how to locate where the fluid goes, refer to your owner’s manual. Even a quick Google search will assist you in keeping your car well maintained.

 

To learn more about preapring your vehicle for spring with insurance, contact our team at ProtectiveAgency.com or call (877) 739-9367. Our licensed insurance agents will be happy to answer any questions you have.