As Maine begins to thaw after a long winter, it’s time to start thinking about spring car maintenance. This is the perfect time of year to get your vehicle ready for those scenic drives along the coast and the summer road trip you’ve been dreaming of for months.
Wave goodbye to winter with our spring car maintenance checklist to help get your car in tip-top shape for summer!
Your 5-Point Spring Car Care Checklist
Clean Your Car, Inside and Out
Give your car a good spring cleaning to get rid of all the salt, sand, and grime that’s built up over the winter. Not only will this improve your car’s appearance, but it will also help protect the paint and prevent rusting. Your car’s undercarriage is especially vulnerable to rust from the de-icing chemicals used on the roads, so make sure to give it a thorough cleaning.
While you’re at it, take some time to clean and declutter the inside of your car. Swap out those winter mats, wipe down the dashboard and console, and vacuum the seats and floor. Once you’re done cleaning, a good wax coating on the exterior can help protect your paint from the hot summer sun.
Inspect Your Wiper Blades and Refill Your Wiper Fluid
After a long winter of windshield wipers fighting against freezing rain, sleet, and snow, they might be ready for retirement. Your spring car maintenance routine is the perfect time to replace your wiper blades to ensure a clear view of the road ahead.
Remember to check your windshield washer fluid levels and top them off if necessary. You’ll be glad you did when that first spring rain hits!
Schedule a Steering and Suspension Inspection
After a winter of potholes and bumpy snow-covered roads, your car could be in need of an alignment. Alignment issues cause your engine and tires to work harder, so it’s important to have them checked and fixed if necessary.
Should you notice your car pulling to one side or vibrating when driving, these could be signs that you need an alignment or new shocks. Schedule an appointment with your mechanic to get these checked out before your summer road trip.
Check Your A/C for Performance
The best way to ensure that your car’s air conditioning is working properly is to turn it on and let it run for a few minutes. If you notice any strange sounds, inconsistent air temperature, or a complete lack of cold air, you’ll want to have your A/C system checked out by a professional. Here at Berube’s, we’ll able to check for any leaks and make sure that the system is charged with the correct amount of refrigerant.
Have Your Battery Tested
After a winter of starting your car in the cold, your battery may be weak and in need of replacement. A simple test can tell you if it’s time for a new battery.
Berube’s Auto Care can also check the condition of your alternator and starter to ensure that they’re in good working order. These are essential components of your car’s electrical system and can cause major problems if they fail.
Bonus Tip: Schedule your routine maintenance!
At Berube’s Complete Auto Care, we’ll take care of your full checklist and more to ensure that all of your spring car maintenance is taken care of. Give us a call at (207) 782-1125 or fill out the form on our website to schedule your next appointment.