Winter weather can really take a toll on our vehicles. Slush, salt and cold temperatures can wreak havoc on everything from the tires to the wiper blades. So, as spring approaches, it's a good idea to be proactive in protecting your investment and give your car a good once-over to counteract winter's wrath. These tips don’t cost a lot and you can do the work yourself or visit your local car wash and garage.
Here are five things you can do to shake off those winter blues and get your car ready for spring:
- Wash the Underbody - Wintertime driving can coat the bottom of your car with salt and sand that can cause corrosion. Corrosion can lead to rust problems, which can lower your cars resell value or even dangerous to drive. Select the undercarriage wash at your car wash or spray the car's bottom yourself with a high-power hose. Leaves and debris can find their way into your car so take time to open the hood and wipe down the engine with a soft mitt and soapy water.
- Scrub inside & outside your car - Salt and sand can also damage your car's paint. Give the exterior of your car a thorough cleaning and wax it with a paste or liquid wax. Scrub the bottoms of doors and clean the window channels. Don’t forget your upholstery! Salt can break down fabrics and cause them to rip or tear when feet are pressed against them. If you have carpet in your car, use a steam cleaner or cleaner and vacuum to remove all the salt. Don’t forget to clean out all the winter supplies from your trunk as well.
- Replace Wiper Blades – Wiper blades are used constantly during the winter months. A good rule of thumb is to replace them each spring and fall.
- Check Tire Pressure – With the change in temperature going into springtime, it’s important to understand that cold weather can cause tires to be under-inflated and the onset of warm weather can overinflate them. Keeping an eye on your tires pressure can ensure that you are experiencing the best ride possible. Driving on properly inflated tires can also save you money. It can cost anywhere from $50 to $250 to replace a blown tire. Also, visually inspect your tires to make sure they're wearing evenly and have plenty of tread for the rainy spring weather ahead.
- Check Fluids & Top Off If Needed – Just like our wipers, we tend to use our windshield wiper fluid more frequently during winter months. Winter weather can deplete that fluid more quickly, so top it off yourself if it's too low. You can get this done at a service station, but it’s an easy job and it can save you money to do it yourself. Also, keep an eye on your oil, brake fluid and transmission fluid and know that they should be changed every 5,000 miles or so, regardless of the season.
