How to Transition Your Car from Winter to Spring

It’s no secret that the winter season can be damaging to your car. Not only is the snow, sleet, ice and freezing rain a headache for drivers, but the precautionary measures used to insure your safety, can cause harm on the inside and outside of your vehicle. These preventative measures will help ensure your car a smooth transition from winter to spring.

A Good Thorough Cleaning
One of the easiest and least expensive ways to get your car ready for spring is an intense cleaning. Whether you choose to take it to a specialist or clean the car yourself, your car should be washed of winters damaging elements. Make sure to power wash underneath the car, as well as wax and polish the exterior. Some car washes offer a wax sealing to help protect the paint coat of your car for under $50. You will also want to be sure to open the hood of the car and remove any debris, as well as wipe down the battery to remove any rust that could lead to corrosion. Each door-jam should be washed, and carpeted mats can be shaken out and vacuumed to remove any salt or dirt that may have been tracked in.

New Equipment
While the snow is over, the rain has just begun. To make sure you have visibility during spring showers, it is recommended your wiper blades be changed at the end of the winter season. Tires should be rotated as a measure to help protect the life of the tires. However, if the tread is too low (depending on your travels) you may want to invest in new tires. Low tread is dangerous and could cause your car to hydroplane in rainy conditions. I would suggest shopping around for auto parts, as you may find the parts you are looking for on the internet for a better price than your corner repair shop.

Routine Maintenance
Routine maintenance should be done every few months or amount of miles to ensure your car is in top shape year round. Routine maintenance includes hydrating your car by checking and topping off your oil, coolant, break and transmission fluids. It also includes checking your cars physical condition, including mirrors, headlights, turning signals and windshield wipers. Always make sure to check your tire pressure as well, as the importance of tires was touched upon in the previous paragraph. If you or a friend has experience working with cars, you can perform most of the manual labor yourself to save on costs that would be incurred when taking your car to a mechanic.

Start preparing your car for spring at the end of February, to avoid feeling rushed when the seasons change. By making a list of the things that need to be done, you will ensure a smooth transition and be able to spread any costs over a longer period of time. Do these things and you can be assured your car will see many springs to come.

Pedersen Toyota sells new & pre-owned Toyota vehicles, service & parts. We also house a large variety of pre-owned inventory from other manufacturers. If you are searching for Toyota dealerships using keywords Loveland Toyota or Toyota Loveland, call, click or stop by the showroom for a test drive today!