The snow is melting, the birds are starting to wake up, and if you’re like most West Virginians, you’re probably ready to hose the winter road salt off your driveway. But while you’re spring cleaning the house, don’t forget about your vehicle.
Winter is brutal on cars. Between the freezing temperatures and the salt on the roads, your ride has been through a lot over the last few months. We all know to check our vehicle’s fluids and battery, but as the winter ice melts away, there is a lot more to look at. Here’s a quick guide to getting your car or truck back in top shape for spring.
Prepping Your Tires and Wipers for Spring Rain
The gear that got you through the ice might not be what you need for those spring rain showers.
Tires – If you run snow tires in the winter, it’s time to swap back to your summer or performance tires as soon as the ice clears. If you run “all-season” tires, now is the perfect time to get them rotated. It’s the easiest way to make that set last as long as possible.
Wiper Blades – Cold air and road salt are absolute killers for rubber. Check your blades for tears or streaks. While you’re at it, make sure your washer fluid is topped off so you can actually see through the pollen that’s soon to be flooding the air.
The Cardboard Test: Checking for Leaks
No matter the driveway, it can be really tough to spot a fluid leak until it’s too late. Here’s a pro tip: Slide a piece of cardboard under your engine and let it sit for a day or two.
When you pull it out, the “results” (the stains) will tell you exactly what’s going on. Whether it’s engine oil, transmission fluid, or coolant, you’ll see exactly where it’s coming from.
Protecting the Underbody and Oil Pan
The stuff you can’t see is often what causes the most trouble later on.
Wash the Underbody – That salty buildup under your car eats metal for breakfast. Use a high-pressure sprayer to get under the front and rear bumpers and the wheel wells. Once it’s clean, check for any new rust spots so you can treat them before they eat through the metal.
Oil Pan Gaskets – If your cardboard test showed an oil leak, check your drain plug and oil filter first to make sure they aren’t just loose. If they’re tight and it’s still leaking, it might be time for a new oil pan gasket to make sure your engine is getting the oil it needs to stay healthy.
Keeping Your Cool
As the temperatures climb, your cooling system has to work a lot harder.
Radiator and Hoses – After months of cold, your hoses can develop cracks or leaks. Check your coolant levels and make sure the radiator is clear of debris. If the coolant looks old or the levels are low, a flush and fill might be in order.
The Cabin Air – Don’t wait until the first 90 degree day to find out your AC isn’t blowing cold. Test the air conditioning inside the cabin now and check your freon levels so you’re ready for the heat.
Fresh Air and a Clean Interior
On a nice spring day, roll those windows down and let the cabin air out. Take out the floor mats, give them a good wash, and vacuum the floors while they’re drying. A quick wipe-down of the console and steering wheel with car-safe cleaner will get rid of that winter grime and make your daily commute feel brand new again.
Let’s Get Spring-Ready
Spring maintenance isn’t just about making the car look good—it’s about making sure it lasts. If you’ve done the cardboard test and found a leak, or if you need help swapping those tires and checking your AC, come see us at DTE Repair & Towing. We’ll help you get your vehicle spring-ready so you can enjoy the road.
Stay safe out there!
