Getting Your Vehicle Ready for Spring

It's good practice to complete an annual spring maintenance check to reduce wear and tear throughout the life of your vehicle; spring tune-ups will help minimize major part replacements and limit future car expenses.  If you have any questions regarding our tips, the mechanics at JK Chevrolet are available to field your questions.

1. Remove Left Over Salt With A Thorough Exterior Cleaning
Road salt used to melt ice and snow is damaging to your car’s undercarriage; it is also harmful to your vehicle’s paint finish. Ensure your car or truck receives a thorough exterior cleaning every spring. A simple wash and wax can go a long way; a full auto detailing service will go even farther.
2. Check Alignment and Suspension
Winter weather creates potholes in roads; driving over potholes strains your vehicle’s alignment and suspension, which means it’s a good practice to check both the alignment and suspension of your vehicle if your winter excursions were bumpy rides.
3. Hoses and Belts
Transitioning between freezing temperatures and extremely hot temperatures causes engine hoses and belts to expand and contract. Check to ensure no cracks or tears were created during winter. If cracks or tears exist, replace the belt or hose as soon as possible.
4. Check Tire Pressure, Tire Wear and Rotate Tires
Similar to the hoses and belts check – tires expand and contract in changing temperatures. The rubber can become weathered, cracked and worn down in winter weather – sometimes causing tires to wear unevenly, lose air and make them prone to damage. Blowing a tire on the highway is no fun; replacing a blown tire with a spare is even less fun. Completing a simple tire check in spring will help you avoid future tire trouble and consistently rotating tires extends the life of the tire.
5. Check Auto Fluids
In addition to the above auto maintenance checks, it’s good practice to always check auto fluids. Oil should be changed every three to five thousand miles. Anitfreeze, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid should also be replenished and flushed on a case by case basis.