Master Mechanic: Preparing Your Car for Spring
Master Mechanic: Preparing Your Car for Spring
At Master Mechanic, we’re firm believers that preventative car maintenance saves time and money for our customers. That includes seasonal maintenance. It might not seem like it just yet, but Spring is right around the corner. With winter winding down, it’s once again time to inspect our cars and ensure they’re ready to handle the season ahead.
As temperatures change, so should your car care routine. We caught up with a Master Mechanic to discuss ways to ensure your vehicle is ready for spring. Road trip anyone?
Protecting Your Paint
Winter is undeniably tough on your car’s paint. For months, debris, dirt, and salt rub up against on your car’s exterior, wearing away at the finish. If the build-up is not removed, it could damage permanently damage your paint, or cause rusting. A thorough wash and wax are one of the first things we recommend you do when the temperature rises. In addition to looking great, you’ll also be protecting your car.
Check Your Tire Pressure
Your tires control your car, so it makes sense that you’d want to make sure they’re in good condition at all times. As temperatures drop during the winter, tire pressure decreases. When this happens, many people fill up their tires–as they should. When temperatures start to rise again, however, your tire pressure can rise with it. Tire pressure that’s too low can impact your car’s fuel-efficiency and tire pressure that is too high can cause uneven tire wear. Incorrect tire pressure will affect handling and overall drive, so it’s crucial to check your tire pressure when spring arrives. It’s also a great time to review the tire tread for uneven wear or damage.
Tires don’t last forever. At Master Mechanic, we recommend rotating your tires every 10,000 kilometres and replacing them ASAP if they are worn.
Inspect Your Windshield and Wiper Blades
Your wiper blades probably get the most use during winter. As spring rolls around, check your wiper blades for any signs of cracking, breaks, or wear. If you had a winter-specific blade, have them swapped with something more appropriate for the season.
Unfortunately, during the winter, it’s not uncommon for windshields to get cracked or chipped. Although a small chip may not seem like a big deal, it can quickly spread. Your personal safety is paramount, and it’s highly recommended to have a damaged windshield repaired or replaced immediately.
Check Under the Hood
When the seasons change, it’s always essential to peek under the hood to make sure your engine is performing optimally. You’ll want to pay specific attention to the belts and hoses on your engine to make sure they aren’t brittle or overly worn. If you aren’t comfortable performing these checks on your own, contact your local Master Mechanic. We’re always happy to help, and we’ll make sure you head into Spring without any potential issues.
Check Your Oil and Oil Filter
Is it time for a change? Not changing your oil and oil filter at the proper time is the quickest way to run into engine trouble. It can cause poor engine performance, higher fuel consumption and even permanent damage to your car’s engine.
Check your fluids, too. If you’re already changing your oil and oil filter, it’s a good opportunity to check the other fluids in your car, including your brake, coolant, transmission, power steering and windshield washer fluid. If any of your levels are low, you can top them up yourself. If you notice low levels in your transmission,steering, brake, or cooling systems, it’s best to contact your local Master Mechanic. These systems are closed, so low fluid levels may indicate a leak and more significant issue.
Check Your Alignment and Suspension
Harsh driving conditions are often harsh on your vehicle. Winter is no exception. City roads, with potholes and other debris, can interfere with your car’s alignment or damage your suspension. This isn’t something you can definitively check for yourself, but if your car doesn’t drive straight on a level road, something is likely off. If you bring your vehicle into Master Mechanic, we’d be happy to look at your suspension to make sure everything is aligned.
At your local Master Mechanic, we’re always happy to help with any car questions you have, or maintenance you want to perform. Contact us today to book an appointment!
