April showers bring May flowers – and a few car maintenance services. We’re already well into spring, but before the heat of the summer, we have a few seasonal car care tips for you. Each season brings changes in temperature and weather that impact parts of your car, so checking in seasonally can make a big difference for the life of your car. If you’re due for any seasonal car maintenance, bring your car to the nearest AAMCO Minnesota location and take advantage of our seasonal specials.
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Schedule an Oil and Filter Change
Depending on your car and when you last got an oil change, you may be due. Winter can be rough on a number of systems in your car, including the engine. As temperatures cool, engine oil becomes thicker, making it more difficult for your engine to get up and running until it warms up. This can cause extra wear and buildup in your engine oil. Getting an oil change in the spring will clear out any extra contamination from the winter and ensure you have fresh engine oil for the summer months. To ensure you stay on the right maintenance schedule, it’s always a good idea to take a look at your owner’s manual for manufacturer recommendations.
Have Your Car Battery Checked
Think of spring as a refresh in between two harsh seasons. Both winter and summer can be tough on your car’s battery, so spring offers the perfect opportunity to check in after winter and make sure your battery is ready for summer. A mechanic can easily do a battery service, including checking how much charge your battery is able to store and the condition all of the terminals and connecting wires.
Take a Look at Your Tires
Wet roads from rain can be just as hazardous as snowy roads if your tires are over-worn. The next time you go out to your car, take a look at your tire treads. If you have a quarter on hand, put it in one of the treads upside down, with Washington’s head going in first. If the top of George’s head is covered by the tread, your tires are OK – do this test at multiple points around each tire. If the top of his head is visible at any point around the tire, you need new tires.
Check Your Tire Pressure as Temperatures Fluctuate
Throughout the spring when temperatures are fluctuating more, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Many modern cars will monitor this for you, but if your car doesn’t have this feature, it’s a good idea to check every so often yourself. Check your owner’s manual for your car’s optimal tire pressure range and adjust your tires as necessary.
Do Some At-Home Maintenance
Several simple car maintenance for the spring can be easily done at home. These also tend to go forgotten for longer than they should but can make a difference in your safety and the overall health of your car.
Replace the Windshield Wipers & Check Your Wiper Fluid
Every few months to a year, you should install new wiper blades. Once your windshield wipers are wearing out, you’ll start to notice streaks when you use them. With spring showers and thunderstorms, this can make it difficult to see if there are too many streaks left behind. It’s also a good idea to check your wiper fluid regularly to make sure you have enough to keep your windshield clean and clear.
Wash Your Car
You may think that washing your car just makes it look nice – and you’re not wrong, but it also can help protect the exterior of your car. The salt used on roads in the winter to melt snow and ice can also corrode metal parts around the exterior of your car that are exposed to it. This is especially true of the underside of your car, so be sure not to skip a good rinse under there.
Don’t Skip the Wax
While you’re at it, adding a finishing layer of wax after washing your car can help keep it cleaner longer. It can also help defend your car’s exterior from the elements. Waxing your car every few weeks can help protect the paint from rain and scratches from falling branches during spring storms.
When it Comes to Seasonal Maintenance, AAMCO Mechanics Can Help
Know it’s time for some seasonal car care? Come on in to your nearest AAMCO Minnesota location and we’re happy to do a free spring vehicle courtesy check for you. This includes topping off any necessary fluids, as well as checking your battery, charging system, belts and hoses. With our help, you can cruise through spring in confidence.
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