The birds are singing and the sun is shining – it’s time to shake off the dreariness of winter and start your spring cleaning. Just like many people go through the annual ritual of spring cleaning in their homes, now is also the time to maintenance your vehicle and prep it for the upcoming warmer weather.
In this month’s blog, we share four tips to get your vehicle ready for those sunny day outings at the beach or mountains!
Tip #1: Check or Replace Engine Coolant
Your vehicle’s coolant is a mixture of antifreeze and water. The coolant regulates the temperature of your engine parts. In the winter months, antifreeze keeps engine parts from freezing and seizing up. In warmer weather, your vehicle’s coolant prevents your vehicle from overheating. Over time, cracks or leaks can develop in your engine parts and you may lose vital coolant. However, coolant may also naturally burn off and will need to be replenished. A coolant flush and replacement will clean out any dirty coolant while the service processional will also check for possible leaks.
Tip #2: Replenish or Replace Vital Engine Fluids
During winter months, your vehicle and engine are subjected to extreme temperatures and road conditions. Between ice, snow, and road salt, your vehicle’s fluids can accumulate dirt and grime. A complete oil and filter change can do wonders to move out some of that sludge and dirt in your engine. While you’re at it, check your other vehicle fluids such as windshield wiper fluid, your brake and steering fluids, and your transmission. Consult with your owner’s manual for location and details for each of these fluids. Or, contact us at Colonial Service Station for an oil change and fluid check.
Tip #3: Check Tread Wear and Tire Pressure
Along with the rest of your vehicle, your tires take a beating in the colder months. Road conditions like potholes can affect your alignment, and create unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. Checking for wear and tear on your tire treads is important for safety reasons. Worn or bald treads can result in a blowout and will not give you the necessary traction on the road. While looking at your tire wear, make sure to check the air pressure. Tires will expand during warmer months, so the tire pressure is different than in the winter. Check with your specific tire manufacturer for your tire pressure limits.
Tip #4: Charge or Replace Your Battery
Your vehicle’s battery has a lifespan of about 4-5 years. Sometimes a battery may just lose some of its charge, and need to be recharged. Other times, the battery will lose power permanently. Check with your service professionals at Colonial Service Station to determine if your battery needs a charge or its time for replacement. Don’t forget to examine the battery terminal connections for dirt and corrosion. Connections can be cleaned easily with a solution of water and baking soda. Check online for details and demonstrations on how to clean battery terminals.
As you prepare your spring cleaning tasks, don’t forget to follow our four maintenance tips to get your vehicle ready for the warmer months. Give us a call at Colonial Service Station to schedule a vehicle inspection. We will look over your vehicle and provide you with recommendations to get your vehicle in tip top shape!