Tips To Prepare Your Car For Spring

The Canadian winters are hard not just on us but even on our vehicles. Extreme temperature exposes the vehicle’s failing points and makes the vehicle vulnerable as temperatures rise again. The constant onslaught of elements like dirt, grime, and salt take shelter in the crevices of the car and eventually stem rust on the body panels. The exterior is prone to numerous issues and so are the engine and other components. Spring car cleaning is a must for the vehicle as it offers suitable temperatures to work making servicing easier and preparing the car for the rest of the year.

During Canadian winters, the car is exposed to freezing temperatures which allows grime and salt buildup along with moisture. This sticks to the vehicle in places like the fender liner, behind the wheel, and undercarriage of the vehicle. Not cleaning out this sludge and grime build-up can cause rust to originate on the sheet metal body panels. Cleaning your car thoroughly is the first and foremost important step. Use spring vehicle maintenance tips and It will help you assess the damage winter has done so you can take the necessary actions to restore the vehicle to a healthier state, like fixing exposed metal, rust spots, etc. 

Pro Tip: Use the right car wash and car cleaning products for different parts of the car. For example, use quality cleaners for the exterior to avoid damaging the paint, and use interior-specific cleaners for surfaces like leather, vinyl, and plastic to prevent any damage or discoloration.

Crystallized snow and moisture particles solidify and as the car travels through snow and icy roads, these particulates can cause chipping on the paintwork and damage the body panels. The exposed metal surfaces also become prone to corrosion which can be disastrous for your car. One helpful tip is to cover these chips with clear nail polish or rustoleum paints for chips that inhibit rust until you can get a paint job. 

Pro Tip: Regularly inspect your vehicle's paintwork, especially after driving in snowy or icy conditions, to identify any chips or damage.

Firstly, if you have winter tires then it’s time for a tire swap with summer tires or all-season tires. Winter tires aren’t designed to work at high temperatures and bare roads and might wear out very fast. Next, check the tire tread depth. You can use a tire tread gauge to measure the tread depth accurately. You can use tires with a minimum of 3 mm of thickness or you might also invest in a new set of tires. Also, check the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge and top up to the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure for the front and rear wheels. Remember a 10℉ (4-5℃) change in temperature means a 1 psi change in the tire pressure as well. So keep a close eye on the tire pressure as the temperatures change. 

Pro Tip: When swapping your winter tires with summer or all-season tires, ensure to store your winter tires properly to prolong their lifespan.

Potholes and dire road conditions during the winter can take a toll on the vehicle’s suspension which makes wheel alignment necessary. Before making a trip to the garage you must check for any unevenness in the vehicle by driving in a straight line and examining any tendency of the vehicle to wander in any directions without your intervention. Now, if you observe any instability then you need to visit an auto garage but it will all be worth the trouble since unaligned tires can be responsible for many predicaments. Some of these include vehicle instability, the tire starts wearing unevenly, and the fuel economy of the vehicle also drops while compromising safety. 

Note: A proactive approach to wheel alignment can help prevent premature tire wear, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure a safer driving experience by maintaining proper vehicle stability.

Winter is one of the leading causes of battery failure. Cold starting the vehicle in summer is hard so you can imagine how difficult it must be during the winter since the batteries need to work much harder than usual to get sufficient juice to power the starter motor. All this extra work can deteriorate the battery life unless it is taken care of properly. Modern battery inspection tools can tell the entire condition of the battery. It can help you assess your battery’s charge, cold-cranking amps, and change holding capability. Each of these factors can tell you the battery’s health and how long it will last. Alternatively, you can have it checked by a mechanic but that may cost you a lot. If your battery is in good health then you must maintain it to prolong its life. Refer to this article on how to maintain a car battery in good condition. 

Pro Tip: Regularly check the battery terminals for any signs of corrosion. If you notice any buildup, clean it off. This can help ensure a strong connection and prevent starting issues.

During winter it is common to experience sudden braking since the road and traffic conditions are unpredictable. Check your vehicle's brake rotors and pads to ensure that the brakes still have sufficient life to retain functionality during the upcoming seasons. Also, look out for the brake and ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) warning lights that can signal an imminent failure. Here are a few ways you can make your brakes last longer.

Constantly shoving the ice and snow off the windshield during the winter months can take a toll on the windshield wipers. It is recommended to replace the wiper blades after the winter season to prepare the windshield wipers for proper functioning during the rain. Find the right wiper blades for your vehicle using this article.

Many of the vehicle systems rely on some fluid for functionality. After a long run in the winter, most of these fluids are due for replacement and servicing. Engine oils are one of the most crucial fluids in the vehicle, so it is advised to do an oil change according to the manufacturer-specified viscosity for the temperatures of the upcoming seasons. While you are at it, make sure you also service the coolant, power steering pump fluid, brake fluid, and washer fluid and top them up to their indicated level. Refer to this guide for maintaining the fluids in your car.  

Pro Tip: When doing an oil change, always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your vehicle's systems. Avoid mixing different types of fluids, as this can lead to damage and costly repairs.

The air entering the engine bay and the fuel being sipped by the engine are not monitored and any particulate matter that enters the cylinders can have an adverse effect on the engine's functioning. Hence, it is ideal to replace the air, oil, and fuel filters as the winter’s pollution can degrade these elements, and replacing them can help the vehicle run smoothly and efficiently.

The cold temperatures can warp and degrade rubber serpentine belts which can affect optimal engine functioning. Pulling on the serpentine belt when the engine is shut off can tell you a lot about the state of the belt. If the play is very apparent then tightening the belt tensioner can do the trick but in case the belt is too worn out then replacing it is your best option. More on how to diagnose and fix worn serpentine belts and tensioners. 

Similarly, if the rubber radiator hoses also show cracks or fissures or signs of weakness when lightly jolted then a replacement is necessary. The most essential element is the spark plugs which are severely affected during the cold winter season as their effective functioning is decreased. Replacing spark plugs can be another way to strengthen the engine performance after harsh winters. Here's how you can test your spark plugs.

If you had your vehicle in storage or just sitting during the winter months, then chances are you will have trouble starting it after so long. The problem might be as simple as a drained battery or something more advanced. Before you pay your mechanic to fix the issue, take a look at this guide to help you start your car.