SPRING CAR CARE: WAYS TO PREPARE FOR WARMER TEMPERATURES

 Don’t forget Easter is on its way. I hope that you are aware that Spring has sprung! Which means animals are migrating in search of food after the winter months. Pay attention on the road and avoid hitting an animal when driving in wildlife-prone areas.

Depending on where you live, winter can cause your vehicle to take a beating, both externally and inside your engine. Now is the perfect time to see what should be addressed, and prepare for summer driving before the heat of summer comes!

These tips can be done with little to no cost unless there is a major problem. It is empowering when you can change your own coolant or know when you need an oil change by looking at the oil. If you need a guide to what is under the hood, ask someone knowledgeable, or ask a good mechanic to show you around your car.

1. Inspect your windshield wipers

During winter ice and snow can wear blades to lose their effectiveness. Having wiper blades in good condition is a matter of car safety.  Most auto parts stores will change them for you for free. Better yet, have them show you how to change them and you can do it yourself anytime.

2. Change The Air Filter

The amount of air your engine gets is very important to its performance. When your air filter hasn’t been changed in a while it can reduce the amount of air that goes to your engine and you may notice your car feeling sluggish. Change the air filter to improve your car’s acceleration and fuel economy.

3. Check your oil.

If you excided over 3,000 miles since your last oil change, it’s probably best to get an oil change and top off the fluids (make sure they check brake fluid, power steering and transmission fluids). Warmer temps will take a toll on your oil, so it’s good to start the season with fresh, clean motor oil.

4. Be sure to check and see if your engine needs more coolant.

You may need to add coolant or have a flush-and-fill performed. Trying to make it through summer with inadequate coolant is a recipe for a roadside disaster.

5. Speaking of keeping cool, be sure to test your air conditioning system.

If it’s not providing enough cool air, you may need more refrigerant. Regardless, it’s smart to fix this situation in spring before the peak heat of summer arrives. Who wants a broken A/C during summer?

6. Check your tire pressure.

Wide temperature variations are common with changes of season and can cause your tires to lose pressure more quickly.

7. Switch out those winter tires.

When it comes to spring car maintenance, first thing’s first – switch out your winter tires for summer ones. While these are ideal for winter weather conditions, winter tires actually compromise traction on dry and wet roads.

8. Check the tread on your tires.

If they look worn replace your tires before the heavy rains and reduced traction. If your car’s sporting all-season tires, it’s wise to check their pressure and tread – if you notice any uneven wear, you may need to get them aligned.  Remember: safe tires mean safe driving.

 

9. Take a look at your battery.

After a harsh winter, it’s a good idea to make sure that your car battery is still running strongly. Car batteries are especially susceptible to cold weather. You should consider driving down to your local auto parts supplier to get your battery tested, and possibly replaced.

10. Check up on your brakes.

Before setting off on any spring road trips, make sure your brakes are in

good working order. Is your braking rough and noisy? If so, you probably need new brake pads.

11. Clear Out the Clutter

The time for long spring summer drives is upon us which calls for all those accumulated coffee cups, empty sweet wrappers and old receipts to be placed in the bin. Vacuum inside of your vehicle to remove any dirt and crumbs to make your car look good, and to keep it from smelling.

12. Revise your policy.

It’s wise to give your insurance policy a checkup as well. Spring is the perfect time to take a look at your car insurance policy and make any necessary updates. There’s never a wrong time to do so, but this time of year is ideal for revising your policy to make sure you have the right kind of coverage.

Call to your nearest location at Capital Insurance service. We have two locations Reno and Carson City. We are open Monday to Friday form 9am to 5pm