The term “spring” has always been associated with deep house cleaning. However, that practice should always be extended to your car. A Volkswagen dealership in Albuquerque, NM recommends that car owners must conduct seasonal maintenance for safety reasons.
Here are some of the things that you should check as soon as the snow melts:
Car interior and exterior
Deep cleaning your vehicle is an excellent way to start the season, especially after winter. Spring cleaning provides vehicle owners to remove months of winter buildup. Make sure to also clean under the floor mats, as it is most likely saturated with snow water and grime. Take out all the trash and winter necessities out of your car. Now is also the time to give your vehicle a fresh coat of paint and a good wax.
Undercarriage
Driving through slush and snow exposes your undercarriage to various road treatment chemicals that can erode the underside of your vehicle if left alone. The best way to prevent this from happening is to wash your car thoroughly, including the undercarriage. You can do this by using a power washer to spray away those crusted chemicals.
Tires
It’s a good idea to switch your winter tires with performance or all-season tires. Winter tires have special treads to get a solid grip on icy or snowy roads. However, when spring comes, winter tires lose their ability to stay elastic due to warmer temperatures. All-season tires are more suited to drive on dry roads. Also, you need to check your tire pressure. Cold weather tends to underinflate it, which makes it a safety hazard.
For your peace of mind, you should bring your vehicle to a trusted auto shop for wheel rotation and alignment, as winter driving can take a heavy toll on your car.
Engine
Inspect under the hood for any signs of damage to your car’s hoses, belts, and air filters. Have your vehicle repaired if there are any cracks or leaks in the system. Another thing to check is the battery. Most auto shops offer a free battery inspection, so you should take advantage of that offer. In addition, check if any of your fluids need to be replaced or topped off. This includes the wiper fluid, coolant, brake fluid, and engine oil. Doing so ensures that your engine will continue to work correctly and will not leave you stranded when you go out for a drive.
Wiper blades
Windshield wipers get overworked during the winter. Just like tires, there are winter wiper blades and summer wiper blades. Winter wiper blades are much heavier and are designed to help during extreme weather conditions. However, since you wouldn’t need that kind of performance when driving in spring, you’d need to replace it with summer wiper blades. Consider replacing your wiper blades to guarantee an unobstructed view even when there’s surprise spring showers.
Want to find out more about how to prepare your vehicle before the start of every season? Make sure to check out a Fiesta Volkswagen dealer in Albuquerque, NM.
