Get Your Car Ready for Spring and Summer Driving
Months of wintry weather can wreak havoc on your vehicle, paving the way for future breakdowns. Spring is the perfect time to help your car recover from winter and prepare it for the rigors of summer driving. A quick car checkup can help you prepare for the stress of summer temperatures and increase reliability on those long road trips.
1. Check fluid levels. Your windshield washer fluid is probably running low at this point, so when you fill up your wiper fluid, inspect the rest of your vehicle’s fluids (such as oil, anti-freeze, coolant), and top them off as necessary.
2. Check under the hood. With the engine turned off, inspect for worn or cracked belts or worn, cracked or blistered soft hoses. Get your battery tested and replaced if necessary.
3. Inspect the tires. Examine your tires for uneven or excessive tread wear. Make sure all tires, including the spare, are properly inflated. Having the proper tire pressure can maximize your gas mileage and save wear and tear on your tires. It’s a good idea to check your wheel alignment, as the rough, winter roads can cause serious damage to your tires.
4. Wash and clean. After all the salt build up, road grime and debris winter driving has bestowed upon you, your car deserves a good thorough cleaning – both inside and out.
5. Prepare for the unthinkable. Even properly maintained vehicles can breakdown. Make sure your car is equipped with an emergency kit containing items like a flashlight with extra batteries, flares or reflector triangles, jumper cables, and first-aid kit.
Getting your vehicle check in the spring can prevent trouble in the summer. Finding a good repair shop is easier than you think with AAA’s Approved Auto Repair (AAR) program. Locate your local AAR facility at AAA.com/AAR.
