Don’t you feel like we just told you how to prepare your car for winter?  Well it’s officially spring (even if it doesn’t feel like it), and there are a few small tips you should follow when it comes to your car and the change of seasons.  These small preparations can prevent serious damage, and if you do notice an issue with your car, you can fix it before it causes more damage to yourself or your vehicle.

• Tires – You need to keep a close eye on your tires right after winter.  This winter has been especially treacherous in terms of snow and ice, so your tires have definitely taken a beating.  Check the tread and make sure your tires aren’t bald, you want to have plenty of traction when the April showers begin.  You should also check the air pressure and make sure it is at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which can be found in your owner’s manual.  Finally, if you’re using snow tires, switch them over to summer tires or all season tires.
• Fluids – It is very important to make sure the fluids in your vehicle are all at the proper levels.  Most fluid bottles have a dipstick or fill line so you know exactly how much is needed, if you’re not sure which fluid bottles are where, your owner’s manual most likely has a guide.  The most important fluid to check is the windshield wiper fluid!  A lot of this can get used up during the winter months, when your car is at its dirtiest and you’re constantly trying to see out your window so make sure you atleast check that fluid level.
• Windshield Wipers – Speaking of your windshield, check those wipers!  Snow and ice can do some serious damage to your wiper blades after a long, snowy winter.  Now that it’s spring, consider investing in a new pair if your current ones have some damage.  Cars usually have specific sized blades so bring your current wiper blade with you when you go shopping for new ones, that way the associate can find an exact match.  You don’t want to get caught in the rain with a faulty pair of wipers, not only is it dangerous for you, it’s also dangerous for other drivers on the road if you can’t clearly see your surroundings.
• Belts and Hoses – We know not everyone is a mechanic, but anyone can check a few basic things under the hood.  First, check the belts that you see, pull on them and if they’re loose, take your car over to your local mechanic and have him take a look at them.  When it comes to hoses, check for any visible cracks or leaks that you may see.  If you catch certain problems early enough, it can prevent you from having to pay an arm and a leg for a major repair down the road.
• Spring Cleaning – Spring time means spring cleaning!  Take your car over to your local car wash and get it spruced up.  All of the slush and salt on the roads during the winter can get your ride looking pretty grimy by the time spring rolls around, so get it looking shiny and new with a fresh wash and wax.  You may also want to consider getting the interior cleaned too, nothing like a little spring cleaning to get yourself organized.

Now that spring has sprung, take a look at these tips and see how many apply to your vehicle.  If you’re unsure about anything under the hood, it’s best to take it to your mechanic for a check up just to ensure everything is running smoothly.  Taking your car in for a check up or to have preventative measures taken is the best way to save your money and prevent serious and expensive damage down the road, so follow these tips and keep your car looking shiny and new for another season!

Photo By: fauxto_digit