Let’s face facts. This past winter was brutal. Well, the truth is that all winters are brutal on your vehicle, but this past winter was especially brutal!
Spring is on the horizon and things are looking up. If you’re thinking about a little road trip this summer or even if you just plan on using your vehicle for commuting, you would be wise to give your vehicle a little spring checkup.
There are little things and big things that should be looked at to ensure that they are still in good working order, so you don’t get stranded somewhere or even annoyed by something like wipers that don’t work well.
A lot of people don’t give their vehicles a second thought once the weather warms up, other than changing out their snow tires, but that would be a mistake.
Don’t neglect one of your most valuable investments! It’s time to get your car, truck, or SUV ready for spring and summer weather.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 items you should have the professionals at My Mechanic inspect your vehicle before you hit the road.
Avoid Future Problems by Having Your Vehicle Inspected- A Checklist
- Inspect the Wipers
Windshield wipers are notorious for falling apart the day you are hit with the first big rain of the season. While most times they simply smear or don’t clean as well as they should, they could also fall apart and allow the wiper blade to scratch your windshield! Clear vision is important to everyone when you are driving, so inspecting your front, and rear if you have one, wipers is one important step.
- Inspect all Fluids
It’s a good idea to have all fluid levels inspected at this time of year. You should look at the coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, engine oil, and windshield wiper fluid. Top them off if they are a bit low. Some things, such as coolant or power steering, are sealed systems that shouldn’t be “low” on fluid. If they are, there’s a chance that there is a leak, which should also be inspected and repaired.
- Inspect the Battery
Cold and hot weather wreak havoc on car batteries and today’s modern cars require bigger and more powerful batteries than ever before. Most calls for roadside service occur on the first really cold and first really warm (over 70 degrees) day of the year due to battery failure. Having yours inspected right now can put you ahead of the game.
- Replace the Cabin Filter
If you can’t remember when you last replaced the cabin filter or if it’s been more than months, you should replace this filter to ensure that the air conditioning in your vehicle can work at its optimum. The cabin filter prevents dust and allergens from reaching the inside of the vehicle, keeping you and your passengers more comfortable and the car cleaner.
- Inspect the Tire Tread and Tire Pressure
Springtime in Chicago means that summer rains are around the corner. You want to be sure that your tires are in good condition, with lots of tread life. You also want to check the tire pressure, since it will change once the weather warms up.
- Inspect And/Or Change the Air Filter
Like the cabin filter, if you can’t remember when you last changed the air filter, or if it’s been more than 6 months, this is a great time to change it. The summer air is hot and dirty, and your engine works best when the air is clean.
- Remove Debris from the Engine Area/Vents
Chances are that your vehicle has collected its fair share of leaves, twigs, insects, road salt, and/or pine needles around the motor and the vents that supply air to the inside of your vehicle. Clean out all debris from around these areas for a more comfortable driving experience.
- Realign the Front End
The potholes in and around Chicagoland are no joke. They can knock you out of your seat and your front end out of alignment. When the front suspension is out of alignment, it causes your expensive tires to wear out much faster, as well as reduces performance. Have the front end realigned as soon as possible.
- Inspect the Exhaust System
Water, road salt, mud, and snow wear away at your vehicle’s exhaust system, the pipes, and the brackets and hangers that hold it together. When these rot or rust away, they can really cause problems. A quick inspection of the exhaust system will really pay off.
- Inspect the Belts and Hoses
The belts and hoses on your car are made from a sturdy rubber compound, but they don’t last forever. Nothing can ruin a road trip faster than a broken belt or a busted radiator hose. No one wants to wait for hours on a tow truck, so having the belts and hoses inspected now is a smart move.
Honorable Mention
This is also a terrific time to wash and wax your vehicle to prepare it for the rain and summer heat that is on the way. You should also wash the undercarriage to remove mud and road salt from causing damage. If you use an anti-rust coating on the undercarriage, spring is the best time to renew it, since the warmer weather is when rust is most active.
Also, if your vehicle will soon be ready for an emission inspection, this would be the perfect time to do a tune-up and oil change.
If it’s time for regularly scheduled maintenance, the experts at My Mechanic will be happy to both service your vehicle and do a full inspection so you are ready for whatever the next season brings.
Have Your Vehicle Inspected Sooner Rather Than Later
Taking the time to have your vehicle inspected may seem like a time-consuming endeavor but if you are stranded with a dead battery or a broken belt, how time-consuming would that be?
Get an inspection, sooner rather than later. The pros at My Mechanic will be happy to give your vehicle a springtime inspection so you can feel confident driving, whether it’s just another trip to work or a trip across the country.
Call our friendly staff for an appointment today, you’ll be glad you did.
