Your Spring Cleaning and Car Maintenance Checklist
Extreme weather conditions can take their toll on any vehicle. Winter climates can be particularly rough on a vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage. Salt, snow, and ice can damage the body and even eat away at the paint. As the ice melts and the sun starts to shine again, now is a great time to review our spring cleaning and car maintenance checklist!
Clean Your Exterior & Interior
We’re not talking about a quick trip to the local DIY carwash. Once winter ends, it’s important to wash every part of your vehicle’s exterior using a soft sponge with soap and water. This will get rid of any corrosive road salt or chemicals accumulated on your vehicle. Also, give your undercarriage a good spray with clean water. Consider waxing your vehicle’s exterior for an impressive shine and protection against the sun when you're finished.
Be sure to give your interior a thorough clean, as road salt and grime may have found their way inside the cabin. Most wear and tear inside your vehicle will be on the floor mats and carpet that absorb salt and slush. Salt that sits on your carpet fibers can harden over time. A handheld steam cleaner or a spray-on enzyme cleaning is excellent for breaking down the crusty salt solution.
Check Your Tires
Spring is notorious for being the rainy season, so we want to make sure you and your tires are prepared. Ensure that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations and check the tread to see if any damage was suffered in the winter. If you equipped your vehicle with snow tires, it’s time to take those off and put on your standard tires. If your tires aren’t in good shape, Tire Discounters carries the top brands and can help you decide which tires are suitable for your vehicle.
Wiper Blades
Spring is a great time to replace your wiper blades, especially if the rubber is cracked or breaking off. Wiper blades should be replaced at least once a year. If you live in areas with harsh winters, it’s recommended that you replace them twice a year - once in the spring and again in the fall. Whenever you notice skipping, streaking, or squeaking on the windshield, it’s time to replace your windshield wipers.
Top Off Your Fluids
Check your fluid levels. These include oil, coolant, brake, steering, washer, and transmission fluids. Look for any signs of contamination, bad smells, or leaks coming from under the hood. While you’re under there, remove any leaves, sticks, or other debris that may be along for the ride.
Get Ready For Spring With Tire Discounters
Staying on top of maintenance issues is the best way to prevent unwanted, costly surprises. The technicians at Tire Discounters will gladly perform these tasks for you and can answer any questions you may have. Visit any of our over 150 locations ranging from Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Georgia, Virginia, and Alabama for service.