As winter comes to an end, temperatures are getting warmer and the snow is starting to melt. You’ll want to make sure your car can drive safely through these new conditions. These ways to prepare your car for spring will ensure that you can operate as efficiently as possible on the road.
Check Your Tires
Your tire pressure is often affected by the changing temperatures. Before taking your car out on the road, make sure to check that your tires are properly inflated and compatible with the current conditions. If you switched to snow tires for the winter, you might want to switch back to all-season tires until the appropriate time for them comes again. Many locations provide packages for new tires at extremely affordable prices.
Look at the Alignment
All the time spent driving through snow or hitting potholes can negatively impact the alignment on your car, keeping it from driving smoothly. One way to prepare your car for spring and the drier roads is to test how your car moves by adjusting your steering wheel to a perfect angle and driving in a straight line. If the car veers off to the side, it’s time to get it repaired. This will keep your tires from wearing out as well!
Go to the Car Wash
The cold air and weather conditions can cause a lot of salt to build up on your car. If it isn’t cleaned off, eventually the salt will build up in the undercarriage and cause rusting. Once the temperatures get warmer, it’s the perfect opportunity to swing by your nearest car wash and give your vehicle a thorough cleaning. You could also take this time to clean out the inside of your car. Even though it may not look like it, anything your shoes tracked into the car—including water, salt, or snow—can saturate into the floor.
Replace Your Windshield Wipers and Fluid
Overusing your windshield wipers causes them to wear out much faster, especially in rougher conditions. If you start seeing streaks alongside your windshield, it’s a good sign that you should replace the wipers with new ones. You’ll want to make sure you can maintain your visibility, especially during the upcoming spring showers. Also, be sure to check that the wiper fluid has enough to last—you use it more often than you think, and keeping it at a good level will ensure that it can be used to its full potential and not hinder your ability to see even further.
