22 Mar SPRING TUNE-UPS
After a long, cold winter, spring is finally in the air. That means it’s time to get ready for sunshine and road trips. But before you hop in your car and take to the open road — or even just resume your normal driving habits — you’ll want to give your vehicle a little TLC.
Winter can do more harm to your car than you realize. Potholes caused by the ground expanding and contracting because of frozen rain and snow start appearing in the winter and continue into the spring. They can vary greatly in size, but they’re notoriously bad for your tires and your alignment. That’s not the only hazard of winter; the salt and sand that are used to keep drivers safe on icy roads can be corrosive to the seals on your undercarriage and lead to problems with your suspension.
Getting ahead of any potential problems is your best bet for staying safe this spring or summer, so here’s a car tune-up checklist to make sure your car is in tip-top condition as the seasons change.
- Tires and rims. This is a great time to get your rims inspected and also to swap out your winter tires for spring and summer tires. When you make that change, have those winter tires inspected for tread wear, cracking or other signs of damage.
- Windshield wipers. Have your blades checked and replaced so you can see the road (and whatever is on it) in front of you clearly.
- Brakes and shocks. Have your brakes checked thoroughly, and also have your shocks and struts checked, as worn shocks will make a big difference in how well your car is able to brake
- Battery. Old winters are notoriously hard on batteries, but so is the summer heat.
- Car filters. A clean air filter makes a big difference in how well your engine performs.
- Engine fluids. This is the perfect time to have your vehicle’s fluids checked and/or changed. The engine oil, power steering fluid, brake and transmission fluids, windshield washer solvent and the antifreeze/coolant should all be checked.
- Hoses and belts. Harsh weather can affect the life of your car’s hoses and belts, so even if they got you through the winter, it doesn’t mean they’re ready to go the distance this spring.
KEEPING YOUR CAR IN SHAPE FOR SPRING | SPRING TUNE-UPS = SPRING SAFETY
With your car ready for spring, you’re also ready for safety. Knowing that your vehicle is in good driving condition, from the wiper blades to the brakes, gives you more than peace of mind. It also gives you a great reason to hit the road for your summer vacation.
Need help getting your car spring ready? Call or email us to book an appointment:
OUR LOCATIONS: 328 Clark Drive Vancouver, BC V5L 1N9
Email: info@shop4tires.ca
Phone: +1 (236) 833-3872