Ahhhh.....Spring. Time for us to all to crawl out of our caves and get outside again to plant a garden, do some yardwork, grill some food, and.... do car maintenance?
That's right. There's no better time to do some routine maintenance on your vehicle to ensure that your summer driving trips go as smoothly as possible as the early spring. While spending money on car maintenance might not be everyone's idea of a good time, some small investments and some preventative maintenance now could save you a boatload of money down the road. Here's some simple DIY car maintenance tips to make sure your vehicle is ready for those summer roadtrips.
- Check your tire's tread depth and pressure.
- Tire pressure changes 1-2 PSI for every 10-degree change in air temperature. Under Inflated tires cause excess stress on the sidewall of a tire and can lead to a blowout. Over-inflated tires create less surface contact with the road which decreases traction which can lead to hydroplaning on wet roads. Don't forget to check out your spare tire as well! A spare isn't going to do you any good if its flat.
- If you live in a snowy climate, clean the undercarriage of your car.
- Salts used to melt snow and ice that gets built up on the bottom of your car can lead to corrosion and a layer of grime built up around the engine and transmission can actually cause your car to run hotter as the grime works as an insulator, making it more difficult for heat to dissipate from your vehicles components.
- Check the hoses and belts for cracks, loose connections or leaks.
- Keeping your car running cool is key in the summertime. Ensuring that the components of your vehicle's cooling system are in good order is essential for anytime of the year but it's even more important as the mercury begins to rise.
- Replace your air-filter.
- The dirt and grime that builds up on the roadways over the winter gets kicked up and sucked into your vehicle's air-filter when it breathes. Replacing your air-filter can increase your engine's efficiency and may actually improve your gas mileage by as much as 10 percent.
- Replace your windshield wipers.
- Snow, ice, road salt, and the cold temperatures of winter can be torture on a pair of windshield wipers. Replacing your windshield wipers now will ensure that they function properly when you drive into the storms of early summer.
- Clean your battery.
- As the temperature rises, a chemical reaction inside the battery speeds up which can cause the battery to overcharge which will ultimately shorten the lifespan of your battery. Regular inspection of the battery terminals for acidic build up can ensure that you will get the most out of your battery. If you notice a white build up around your battery terminals, disconnect the battery and clean the terminal posts with a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid and scrub the corrosion off with a wire brush.
- Follow your vehicle's recommended maintenance schedule.
- Obviously there are just some things that aren't as easy to take care of or inspect yourself so it is crucial to get your car checked out by a professional every now to make sure everything is in tip top shape. Following the recommended maintenance schedule outlined in your owner's manual for bigger items like brakes, shocks and struts, and timing belts will greatly decrease your chances of a surprise breakdown that leaves you stranded on the side of the road.
By Keyless Entry Remote Inc
