Prepare your car for warm weather
DriverSense - Kevin Fleming
Do you think winter is the only season that requires special maintenance? Think again.
With winter finally behind us, many of us look forward to the warm spring and summer months. Heck, even fall isn’t so bad compared to a Canadian winter! There are, however, certain things that you must do to prepare your house, wardrobe and even your car for a change in temperature. Keeping up with a few simple maintenance tasks not only improves your vehicle, it also minimizes the environmental impact it has. From simple aesthetic things to more complicated efficiency issues, your ‘winter car’ is very different from your ‘summer car’, even if it is the same vehicle.
Change Your Tires
Remember the winter tires that you had put on your car to provide better traction during icy months? Well it is time to remove them because they work best on snow-covered roads. Winter tires are also considerably more expensive than all-season tires, so naturally you want them to last as many winters as possible. Driving in warm temperatures on sand-covered roads will only cause them to wear out faster.
Give Your Car A Wash
It sounds simple enough, but when you think of all that sand and salt leftover from the winter, your car really does need a good wash…and by good I mean the works. Consider washing from the bottom up to keep from splashing dirt from the wheel wells (this part of the car has the most sand and salt) back onto the areas you have already cleaned. It is also a good idea to invest in a couple of wash mitts. They contain no abrasive material and manage to get the job done well.
The inside of your car will likely need to be cleaned also. Salt and other debris can find their way into the smallest of crevices and, let’s face it, everyone wants their car to shine outside and inside. Rinsing the floor mats and vacuuming underneath will remove salt thoroughly. When it comes to the windows, your regular household glass cleaners work just as well as special auto cleaning products.
Have The Brakes Checked
With all of the slipping and sliding your brakes had to endure during the winter, don’t be surprised if your brakes squeal or have to be pushed all the way down before they do their job. Have your mechanic check them out if you are not sure of their performance abilities, just to be safe. When it comes to brakes, it is better that you are overly cautious than not cautious enough.
Other Services
While your brakes are being checked, be sure to mention any strange noises you may have noticed, as they can be a result of winter wear and tear. You may want to have your mechanic check your vehicle's suspension and steering because cold weather (and frost) can affect both of these internal systems. As well, changing windshield washer fluid makes sense because you no longer need the de-icing offered by winter washer fluids. Check for one specifically designed to clean bugs off the windshield, as it is common to have them stuck on, especially after a long drive.
There are many other services you can have done for your car, such as transmission fluid changes, air filter and oil changes, checking for any leaks and ensuring there are no cracks under the hood, however, following the maintenance schedule written in your vehicle’s manual will keep it running smoothly and efficiently.
Once your car has been serviced, why not plan a road trip to celebrate the end of winter? Whether it is with friends, family, a special someone or all of the above, make the most out of the warm months. The spring and summer seasons won’t last very long. Before you know it, it will be time to have those winter tires installed and washer fluid changed yet again.
Stay Green Year Round!
Understanding the importance of seasonal maintenance is an essential step to driving a safer vehicle. It is also a part of making sure your car emits the least amount of pollutants possible. Every action you take to improve your vehicle’s longevity lessens your carbon footprint as well as the hit to your wallet. If you haven’t already done so, go take care of your vehicle and get enjoy the warm weather...while it lasts.
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