Make Sure Your Battery Still Has Plenty of Life

Winter is especially hard on batteries. If your car battery is nearing the end of its life, you’ve likely noticed problems throughout the winter. Either way, it’s no secret it takes more juice for your battery to start in harsh winter temperatures and that can shorten its lifespan. Luckily, it’s easy to have your battery checked by a mechanic and equally easy to have it replaced if necessary. Staying ahead of a dying battery will prevent headaches caused by a car that won’t start.

Get a Tune Up to Make Sure Belts & Hoses Aren’t Wearing Out

Regular tune ups are a great way to make sure your car continues to run well. This is especially true coming into spring. Winter temperatures can make belts and hoses under your hood turn brittle or become extra worn. Even if you haven’t noticed symptoms of a looming problem yet, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Waiting until a belt or hose wears out entirely can mean an expensive trip to the auto repair shop.

Schedule an Oil Change

Generally speaking, you should aim to get your oil changed at least twice a year. Coming out of a harsh season for cars is a great time to also get the first oil change of the year and flush out grime that’s accumulated in your engine during the winter months.

Replace Your Wiper Blades and Top off Fluids

Snow and ice can be hard on your wiper blades, too. If you’re noticing extra streaks on your windshield, it’s time to replace your wiper blades, especially with a rainy spring approaching. Many people will use extra windshield wiper fluid during the winter to help keep windows clear, so it’s also a good idea to take a look at how much is in your car. Plus, other fluids like coolant and oil may be running a little low or dirty after the winter months. Both will have an impact on how well your car runs and the overall health of your engine and transmission.

Check Your Tire Pressure & Wear

Changing temperatures means changing tire pressure. In the winter, you likely had to add a bit of air to your tires to keep them from getting too low. In the spring, you’ll start to have the opposite problem. Be careful about over-filling your tires as temperatures rise. Also, it’s a good idea to check your tire treads for any extra wear from winter. Whether from having low tire pressure or just rough winter roads, you want to make sure your tires still have plenty of life on them.

Have Your Alignment and Suspension Inspected

Driving in winter weather can wreak havoc on your car’s alignment and suspension system. From potholes to ice and snow, there are a number of hazards that can cause damage you may not notice until it turns serious. Head off those big repairs by getting your suspension checked by a local mechanic as spring approaches and the roads clear.

Wash Your Car

Getting a car wash during and after winter is more than just a cosmetic issue. Oftentimes, salt and other chemicals are used on the roads to keep them from getting too icy or snow-covered. When those chemicals sit on the outside or underside of your car for too long, they accelerate corrosion and can cause serious damage. That means not only should you splurge on that car wash when you fill up your gas tank, but also make sure they include washing the undercarriage.