Spring has sprung, everyone. “Spring cleaning” may be the cliché, but it’s also a great time to wake your car up after the harsher weather of a Northwest winter. Here are six checks that you can make yourself, or have your car repair specialist make. When you come in for an oil change or any service, KC Martin goes through these areas for you. Do them yourself, or at least double check that your service pro has covered them all.
Check 1: Tire wear and tire pressure
Really, this is a habit to keep year-round, but winter is especially hard on tread and tire pressure. Cold weather drops the pressure, which is why that tire pressure light on the dash tends to show up on chilly mornings. Pump your tires back up to the pressure listed on the sticker inside the driver’s door. If the tread is getting low, it’s time to visit a tire shop. (Tires are about the only thing we don’t sell.)
Check 2: Hoses and belts
This is another area that can be checked any time, but winter weather speeds up the drying and cracking of older belts. It’s always better to replace belts and hoses before they fail. If your auto repair technician recommends changing them, just do it.
Check 3: A/C and cooling system
This isn’t something the average driver can check, and many shops don’t look at it automatically, so ask for it. You probably know your heater works, since you’ve been leaning on it all winter. But how about the air conditioning, and the cooling system that keeps your engine from overheating? You may need a small A/C repair, a coolant flush or just a top-off, and it’s much better to find out now than on the first hot day.
Check 4: Brakes and the brake system
Wet weather asks more of your brakes, so they can wear faster over the winter months. Have the fluid level, pad wear and the rest of the system looked at. Brake fluid should also be replaced every few years, because it absorbs moisture over time. Could this be a good time to get that done too? Here’s what our brake repair service covers.
Check 5: Battery and spark plugs
Like almost everything else, your battery works harder in the cold, so the start of spring is the best time to have it tested. Most batteries last three to five years, and today’s cars, with all of their electronics, are harder on them than older cars were. Stay ahead of a failing battery, and have your plugs checked while you’re at it. If the car has been slow to start, our auto electrical page explains what we test.
Check 6: Wipers, filters and caps
It’s usually obvious whether your wipers are failing. Don’t put it off if they’re streaking or skipping at the end of winter, because limited visibility is a safety hazard. Have your engine air filter checked, and the cabin air filter too. That one cleans the air you breathe inside the car, and it’s worth changing before pollen season gets going. You can also make a quick check that all of the caps under your hood are secure and free of gunky buildup.
Staying in the know
Plenty of people do these checks and replacements on their own, but most drivers don’t have the expertise or the time. That’s fine. It’s still nice to be in the know, and any good mechanic will be glad to have you double check that each of these was done.
A good mechanic, like KC Martin here in Lynnwood, wants to help your car run better and handle repairs before they turn into a giant headache or a big bill. The easiest way to get all six checks done is to ask for them at your next oil change. We hope these tips help you spring your car back into action!
