View Monthly Specials!
After a brutally cold winter, there’s nothing better than getting outside and enjoying warmer temperatures. But when you bring your car out after a harsh winter, you need to take some precautionary steps before warm weather decides to stick around. Heat is as big a threat to your vehicle as cold and snow, so keep reading to find out how to best prepare your car for warmer weather.
Test Your Air Conditioning
There’s nothing worse than a heat wave hitting and, once you enter your car, you find out that the air conditioning fails to work. Not only does your air conditioning keep you cool, but it also helps to keep your engine cool during the hot summer months. If you notice that the air comes out but the air isn’t cold enough, there might be an issue with the system. You might either need additional refrigerant or your air filters may need to be cleaned.
Look at Your Tires
Winter is tough on tires. If you live in an area that requires you to change out your tires for winter, make sure you put your summer tires on the vehicle. However, if you don’t need to swap out the tires, have the all-season tires rotated or changed out for brand-new ones. Spring is also a good time to check the tread. A simple way to do this is to place a quarter upside down in the tire groove. If you’re able to see all of Washington’s head in one groove, you should shop for new tires.
Check Your Battery
Did you notice that your car took longer to start in the winter? Winter weather is hard on your starter and alternator, so your battery needs to work harder. Once spring hits, have your battery tested to make sure it has enough power left.
Replace Windshield Wipers
Over the winter, your windshield wipers have probably taken a beating from the ice and snow that accumulated on your windshield. Pick up a replacement pair, and you can easily replace the wipers yourself. During this time, top off the windshield wiper fluid as well. With the warmer weather, bugs are likely to appear and make a mess of your windshield.
Clean Your Car
During the winter, you probably brought in all types of dirt, snow, and salt into the vehicle. Take the time to vacuum out the vehicle and get rid of any trash. Make sure to check underneath the seats. Remove your floor mats and give them a good scrub. Don’t forget to clean off the outside of the vehicle as well. Road salt and grime from melted snow can cause damage to your vehicle’s finish and undercarriage. You should also consider waxing your car once it has dried completely.
Just like it’s important to prepare your vehicle for cold weather, it’s just as important to keep it ready for warm weather. By following these simple tips, your vehicle will be ready for summertime road trips. If you have any additional questions, feel free to reach out to the experts at Rath Auto Resources NWA.
Image via Flickr by Robert Couse-Baker
Connect with us
