Spring Car Maintenance in 5 Easy Steps

The first few days of spring should be an exciting time, but with the COVID-19 pandemic this year and all the drastic measures put in place to fight and protect ourselves from the virus, it’s an entirely different story.

Still, just because you’re stuck at home doesn’t mean you should neglect your car’s maintenance. After a rough winter, it can certainly use some TLC.

Beyond the inevitable switch to summer or all-season tires, we’ll give you five spring cleaning and maintenance steps you can easily do in your own driveway.

Start With a Good Wash
First, rinse the car down to remove larger pieces of dirt and grime. Then you can add soapy water to the exterior, but make sure the soap is designed for car washing. Liquid detergents and dish cleaners can strip away the wax and damage the paint. You can also apply a conditioner to the rubber seals on the doors and trunk to prevent them from drying and cracking in the summer.

Get Rid of Salt
The interior bears the scars of winter, too. We’re talking about salt, dirt, small rocks and other residues. They’re mostly found in the area of the floor mats, but don’t forget the lower door panels and seat cushions. A vacuum is your first ally, then a solution of water and vinegar. For the dashboard, doors and leather surfaces, a simple cloth soaked in hot water will suffice.

Throw Out Unnecessary Stuff
Winter is over, so you no longer need to carry bags of de-icer, a shovel and traction aids in your trunk. You can also reduce the size of your emergency kit. Don’t forget to clean the cabin, particularly the storage compartments. Garbage and unnecessary items add weight and clutter for no good reason. And if you still have your ski rack on, it’s time to remove it.

Inspect Your Tires
Changing your tires is a good opportunity to inspect the tread and make sure each of the four tires is evenly worn out. If not, there might be a problem with the wheel alignment. Once your summer or all-season tires are installed, check the air pressure to see if it matches the recommended psi rating. In case you forgot, under-inflated tires wear out faster and increase fuel consumption.

Take Care of Fluids and Filters
Your car uses various fluids and filters to stay in top shape and deliver optimum performance. We’re not asking you to change the engine oil yourself, but you can check the oil level to make sure there’s no leak. Do the same with coolant. And while you’re at it, ensure there’s plenty of windshield washer fluid in the tank, because the roads can get quite dirty during spring.

Another easy bit of car maintenance is inspecting and cleaning the engine air filter with a vacuum or water (if you opt for the latter, make sure the filter is completely dry before you put it back in place). If it’s too dirty or clogged, a replacement is in order.