Rejoice, fellow Canadians! The warmer weather is starting to appear. Soon, the birds will be out, and the flowers will bloom. After winter, it’s always pleasing when spring weather starts to show its face. Though spring cleaning may be at the top of everyone’s to-do list, it’s also a perfect time to do spring car maintenance. Winter is the most challenging season for our vehicles, as cold weather, snow, ice, and road salt take a toll on them. Now is also a good time to get a quick update on your car insurance. Take some time in March through June to do some of these spring car maintenance tips and prepare your car for the summer driving season!
1. Replace Your Wipers
Winter can be harsh on the hinges of your windshield wipers. The constant hot and cold that wipers experience can cause them to wear out quickly. It is recommended that you switch out your wiper blades every six months. Scrutinize them, even if they seem to work well. Are they leaving streaks or making a squealing sound every time you use them? If you believe they still have some life, keep a few new wipers in your trunk, just in case. When it comes to spring car maintenance, this is key!
2. Do a Thorough Interior Clean (or Get Your Car Detailed)
Your mats have protected your car’s floor from salt and ice, but your interior also needs attention. Take extra care to sanitize all surfaces you commonly touch inside your vehicle, such as your steering wheel, door handles, gear shifter, climate controls, and radio controls. A good rule of thumb is to start from the top and work your way down. Clean the interior windows, dashboard, and your wheel, then move on to your controls, and so on. Then, use a powerful shop vac to vacuum the ground, seats, and trunk. You should also wash and dry your mats to get them ready for the warmer seasons – we recommend WeatherTech custom car mats!
3. Go for a Car Wash to Clean the Exterior
Naturally, you should be cleaning your car’s exterior and interior. But don’t hit up a car wash and consider it done. Instead, spend the time needed to clean every aspect of the car’s exterior. Clean your hubcaps, get in the door jam, and clean other hard-to-reach places. Those neglected areas can deteriorate over time if left unattended. This results in the need for replacements much sooner than necessary.
4. Get an Oil Change
Spring car maintenance is one of the best times to change oil. Your motor has worked hard over the winter, so a new oil supply will make a difference. There is nothing like a fresh oil change to get your car ready to roll when the warm weather comes!
5. Top Up Your Windshield Washer Fluid
You likely used a lot of windshield washer fluid over the last few months, so spring is an excellent time to add more. We often forget to check the washer fluid until we need it, which is a position you don’t want to be in! The last thing you want is for the rain to dirty your windshield and leave you unable to clean it!
6. Check Your Air Filters
Your car has various air filters that keep the engine running smoothly. When was the last time you took a close look at them? Many car owners haven’t checked their filters, which may impact their performance. Grab your car manual, check where your filters are, and give them a look! Or, if you’re not car-savvy, bring it to your local mechanic.
7. Inspect Your Belt During Spring Car Maintenance
In cold weather, your rubber engine belts degrade quickly. Regular inspection can help protect you from future troubles. If it looks in poor condition, with signs of damage or significant wear, it’s time to replace it. Again, have your local mechanic check it out before the warmer season arrives.
8. Give Your Car a Wax
What better way to celebrate the warmer weather than to polish up your cleaned car? A good turtle wax isn’t only about making it shine. Waxing your car can make cleaning up things like bugs, rain, and debris easier.
9. Get Your Brakes Inspected
Never take a risk with your brakes! Have them inspected before the new season begins. A good time to get them checked is when you switch your tires from winter to all-seasons, or when you start hearing squeaking noises.
10. Change Your Tires
Get your all-season tires on! Your winter tires are only helpful on the road during the cold, icy winter months. Switch to quality, all-season tires to help you drive better on dry or rainy roads. This will help your tires last much longer!
11. Repair Your Windshield When Doing Spring Car Maintenance
If you notice any damage to your windshield or other windows, repair it. Don’t wait for a problem to worsen; it could lead to replacing the entire windshield! This can be a pricey lesson to learn, so the quicker the issue is fixed, the better.
12. Review Your Insurance Policy With Your isure Broker
Taking some time now will prepare you to hit the roads for the spring and summer driving season. We hope our spring car maintenance tips motivate you to take action early. Now is also a good time to review your car insurance policy. Give your isure broker a quick call to confirm your vehicle usage and review your overall coverage. You may even qualify for additional discounts, such as by bundling your home and car insurance. Contact isure or request a quote today! Have fun, and stay safe on the roads.
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