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Spring Car Maintenance Checklist in Grande Prairie

Posted on April 18, 2024

Spring Car Maintenance Checklist in Grande Prairie

Winter has finally come to an end, and spring is well underway. As we start transitioning to warmer weather, it's important to remember that spring comes with its own unique set of driving challenges and hazards. From increased pedestrian and cyclist activity on the road to potential flooding and hydroplaning, ensuring that your vehicle is in top shape is crucial in staying safe and avoiding costly accidents. 

Swap Out Your Winter Tires

Once temperatures climb above 7 degrees Celsius, it's advisable to consider switching from winter tires to summer or all-season tires. Designed for improved handling and performance on roads free of snow and ice, these tires are better suited for warmer weather conditions. The specialized tread rubber of winter tires, optimized for enhanced traction on icy and snowy surfaces, becomes less effective in spring and wears out more quickly in higher temperatures.

Rotate Your Tires

One of the simplest and most beneficial tasks to complete before the arrival of spring is tire rotation. This process can enhance the durability of your tires and improve fuel efficiency. Tire rotation entails exchanging the rear tires with the front tires and vice versa.

Address Any Alignment Issues

The harsh winter conditions can lead to increased strain on your suspension system, potentially resulting in misalignment of your wheels. Signs of misalignment may include an off-centre steering wheel, pulling to one side while driving at higher speeds, or uneven tire wear. 

Wash Away Road Salt

Road salt can cause rusting and other forms of damage to your vehicle's body and undercarriage. To maintain the pristine condition of your vehicle's body and paint job, it is recommended to get regular vehicle washes, even during the winter months. Many car washes are equipped with spraying machines designed to effectively remove salt from the underside of vehicles using sufficient force.

Replenish the Fluids

While checking your owner's manual is best, most vehicles need an oil change every 8,000 to 16,000 km. However, newer models can go up to 24,000 km without requiring an oil change. Your owner's manual outlines how often fluid checks should be performed.

Check the Brakes

Failing to inspect your brakes after the winter season could lead to expensive repairs in the future, as well as potential safety and driving concerns. It’s advisable to have a mechanic examine your vehicle's brakes, including the pads and rotors.

Change the Air Filters

After enduring a lengthy winter and prior seasons, the cabin air filter can become infused with dust, mildew, mold, and other allergens, resulting in an unpleasant smell and reduced airflow. Similarly, debris in the engine air filter hampers its capacity to effectively blend fuel and air for combustion.

Replace Worn Wiper Blades

Winter weather can cause wear and tear on your wiper blades, causing them to deteriorate or squeal.

Test the Battery

The winter season can take a toll on your car battery. With temperature fluctuations ranging from -40C to above freezing, the battery is subjected to extreme conditions. Typically, car batteries have a lifespan of three to five years, beyond which they may start to deteriorate.

Belts Need Attention

Slush, salt, and sand on the roads can lead to contamination of the serpentine belt. It’s important to inspect the belt for cracks or missing rib segments. While checking the belt is a simple task, if you’re not confident in replacing it, it’s advisable to seek assistance from a professional.

Light Checks

Perform quick checks of your turn signal bulbs, brake lights, headlights (both low beam and high beams), marker lights, and daytime running lights to ensure they're all functioning as they should. Also, don't forget to check the license plate bulbs.

Contact Us at Revolution Mazda

Grande Prairie drivers can use this comprehensive checklist to help get their vehicles in top shape this season. Reserve your appointment today at Revolution Mazda in Grand Prairie and help keep your car on the road for years.