With winter finally behind us, spring is the ideal time to address the wear and tear that cold weather and road salt have inflicted on your vehicle. Mechanics across the country report a surge in service appointments every April, and tackling these items early can prevent costly repairs down the road.
Start with your tires: check tread depth, look for uneven wear patterns, and adjust pressure to the manufacturer's recommended PSI now that temperatures are climbing. Winter air pressure drops can leave your tires underinflated heading into warmer months. Next, inspect your windshield wipers, which take a beating from ice and snow. A fresh set of blades costs under $30 and dramatically improves visibility during spring rainstorms.
Don't overlook your car's undercarriage. Road salt causes significant corrosion if left unchecked, so a thorough undercarriage wash at a professional car wash is money well spent. Additionally, check your cabin air filter, top off washer fluid, inspect brake pads, and have your alignment checked if you've hit any major potholes this winter. These seven simple steps will keep your car running smoothly through the season.
