Best Service | Winter to Spring Maintenance

We’ve all heard the jokes about Ohio weather, fake springs that get your hopes up before winter pulls us in for more chilly temperatures, ice, and even snow. But looking at the calendar, winter is almost over and spring will be here soon. 

During major season changes like winter to spring is one of the best times to take care of your vehicle. After all, small service steps now can save you a headache later when they pile up. Winter can be especially hard on your vehicle, so as the season changes, it's a good time to follow some maintenance steps. Here are some of the best service tips for the changing seasons:

1. Spring Cleaning

When it gets cold and icy out, suburbs from Centerville to Fairborn to Vandalia help drivers stay safe by spreading salt on the ground. Over the winter, as you drive in these conditions, salt and grime can build up on the sides and undercarriage of your car. As the ice and salt die down, it’s a good time to consider a thorough cleaning, inside and out. A carwash can take care of the salt and grime on the outside, but don’t forget about the grime you tracked in on snowy feet - give those mats a good washing to keep them in the best shape. Vacuum out the inside to get rid of the rest so you can ride your vehicle cleanly into the next season. 

2. April Showers 

We know that April isn’t the only time it rains here in Ohio, but as the temperatures rise, expect less snow and more rain. Now is the best time to inspect your wiper blades, especially if you used them to try to get the frost or ice off your windshield in those cold winter mornings. You’ll want to make sure your wiper blades are in good condition leading into spring to help get you through any rainstorms. Winter is also hard on the interior systems of your car, so now is a good time to check your filters. Changing out your car’s air filters can also help keep pollen at bay for those who struggle with spring allergies.

3. Fluids

Freezing temperatures can be hard on the liquids in your car, so spring is a good time to give them all a good check. Change the oil in your car, replenish your windshield wiper fluid, and do a thorough check to make sure you aren’t leaking coolant or brake fluid - and trust me, you really don’t want to be leaking either of those.

4. Tires

Align, rotate, refill. Winter breeds potholes because of freezing and refreezing water that ends up in the cracks in the road and makes them bigger. Winter can do damage to the road, and the road can in turn do damage to our cars. Which means getting your tires rotated and aligned can keep them running well for longer - tires that are out of alignment take a lot more wear and tear than those that are properly aligned. You can often tell you need an alignment done if your car drifts to the right or left, or if your steering wheel isn’t centered when you’re driving straight. You’ll also want to use this time to make sure your tires aren’t over- or under-filled.

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