As we emerge into the spring after a long hard winter, we can look forward to the hot and long days of summer. But the winter weather will have been hard on your car. After enduring cold temperatures, bad weather, and salt and grime from the road, your car will benefit from some basic maintenance. Here are seven spring and summer car-care tips.
1. Check Your Fluids
The spring is a great time to schedule an oil and filter change to get rid of all the impurities they will have picked up in the winter. Check the fluids for the power steering, brakes, and transmission, and have them topped up as necessary.
In warmer weather, overheating is the most common cause of breakdowns. Make sure your cooling system is topped up and has the correct mix of water and coolant. If your vehicle is due for service, have the cooling system flushed and refilled.
2. Test Your Battery
Low temperatures are hard on your car’s battery, and months of cold starts and running the lights, wipers, and heating constantly will have taken their toll. Have your battery tested at your local service center, and replace it if it’s showing its age. Replacing it before it’s too late will help you avoid the inconvenience of a car that won’t start.
3. Have Your Brakes Checked
Brake wear is a gradual process, and you might not notice when brake performance deteriorates. Have a technician check the pads, discs, and calipers for wear. If you hear odd noises or notice pulsations or a soft feel to the pedal, there’s definitely a problem.
4. Check and Rotate Your Tires
Extreme high and low temperatures can affect your tires’ performance. Even if you have a tire pressure monitoring system, you should check them manually at least once a month. Check the tire treads and sidewalls for wear or damage. Be sure to keep to your tire rotation schedule to ensure even wear and help extend the life of your tires.
5. Change Your Wiper Blades
Your windshield wipers also work hard in the winter, especially if you’ve endured snow and ice. If they’re smearing or scraping across the windshield, it’s time to replace them. You also want to make sure that your washer fluid is topped up and at the right strength for clearing the bugs from your windshield in the summer.
6. Clean Your Lights
When you wash your car, give your headlight and taillight lenses a thorough clean. Use baking soda, water, and a soft toothbrush to polish hazy headlights and make them shine bright. Check all the light bulbs and change any that have blown. Don’t forget the brake lights and reverse lights.
7. Have Your Air Conditioning Inspected
The last thing you want in the height of summer is for your air conditioning to stop working. Have the system inspected by a certified technician to ensure that it will keep you cool when the thermometer starts to rise.
For more help and advice on seasonal maintenance for your Ford, visit our Service Department here at Reddick Brown Ford!
Image via ford.com
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