Get your Car Ready for Spring

By Erin Marquis

Spring and summer is right around the corner, even if you live in a state that sees warm weather all year round, there are still a few things you can do to keep your car running smooth.

1. Change your Oil: Not just and oil change. In warmer weather your car should use thicker oil, since warm weather will thin it out more than cold weather. Too thin an oil can cause engine damage.

2. Remove snow tires: Snow tires wear out quickly on dry pavement, so it’s a good idea to put a normal set of tires on once the snow melts.

3. Check your windshield wipers: Wipers can dry out and get damaged by salt in the winter months and should be replaced every year or so. Also, switch to a warm weather windshield fluid to make sure you have maximum visibility.

4. Check belts and hoses: Before starting out for that long awaited road trip make sure none of the belts in your engine are worn out. Also check your hoses and make sure they are sealed tightly and not cracked.

5. Check you tire pressure: The warmer months can make tire pressure rise as the air inside gets hot. Make sure your tires aren’t over inflated or under inflated, as that can lead to a blow out.

6.Check for Rust : If your car comes into contact with salt, whether from the road or ocean, you need to check regularly for rust damage.

Click here for more maintenance tips from Road & Travel Magazine.