As winter ends and warmer days loom, there are some tasks that you need to do to prepare your vehicle for spring.
Preparing your vehicle for spring takes more than just changing winter tires, getting a car wash and a wax, and checking your vehicle’s fluids. The harsh winter temperatures can take a toll on specific vehicle components, leaving them vulnerable to potential issues if they’re not addressed. Here are some things to note when preparing your vehicle for spring:
Generally, you should change your engine’s oil after a certain amount of miles. You must also regularly check your engine’s oil levels. Conducting these checks after winter and before spring is the perfect time. If you need to top off your engine’s oil, Liqui Moly is a top motor oil brand.
Cold winter temperatures can affect the oil inside your engine and oil filter, causing it to thicken. As the oil thickens, the oil pump will create more resistance for the oil to pass, which can damage filter seals and the oil filter canister itself. This can happen especially if the filter is old or worn out.
Oil filters play a crucial role in removing contaminants in engine oil, making it last longer and ensuring your engine doesn’t wear out due to a lack of lubrication. Need oil filters? Check out high-quality oil filters from Beck Arnley, Mahle, Mann-Filter, Purolator, and WIX.
The salty buildup on your vehicle’s undercarriage will need to be removed. The best approach is to use a high-pressure sprayer, giving special attention to the front and back bumpers. Alternatively, you could also use warm water with vinegar. You can also go to a car wash. Afterward, look for symptoms of rust and treat them accordingly to prevent rust from further eating through your vehicle. Rust is most commonly found around the bumpers and wheel wells.
After cleaning your vehicle’s body and undercarriage, you can use a high-quality wax from Meguiars to protect your vehicle’s coat.
Ice and snow buildup on your windshield can wear out your vehicle windshields. The cold temperatures can make the rubber brittle. Then, using them in cold temperatures can permanently damage them. Spring is a good time to inspect and replace your wiper blades if they’ve sustained damage. At the same time, you can check that you also have windshield wiper fluid in the reservoir.
Aftermarket brands like Hella and Rain-X make high-quality wiper blades that can perform just like the original.
Worn or failing spark plugs might become more noticeable during the winter. Engines tend to run leaner in cold temperatures. Hence, the engine might not be able to burn off the soot deposits on the spark plugs, reducing their lifespan. Continuing to drive with old spark plugs after the winter might cause your engine to have issues like misfires and difficulty starting.
Luckily, replacing spark plugs is fairly affordable if you go for aftermarket brands like Bosch.
The A/C condenser isn’t directly affected by cold temperatures. However, road debris and road salt can find their way into the condenser. Rust can take hold and cause leaks, causing A/C condensers to fail. When this happens, your A/C system won’t be able to cool air.
Good thing brands like CSF make A/C condensers to fit specific vehicle models.
Like the A/C condenser, the A/C compressor can also develop issues because of corrosion. If rust takes hold, it might affect your compressor’s functionality. A faulty compressor will also prevent your A/C system from creating cool air.
If you need a replacement, manufacturers like GPD make A/C compressors for a wide range of vehicles.
It’s a good idea to replace your vehicle’s cabin air filter once a year. It’s the best time to do this after winter because there’s a lot of pollen during spring. Getting a new cabin air filter can potentially save you some bouts with allergies if you’re sensitive to pollen. Check out options from top brands like Bosch and Corteco.
With your vehicle prepped for spring, you can finally embrace the sunshine and dry open roads. It’s time to leave winter behind and revel in driving during warmer days.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.