5 Vehicle Maintenance Items Your Car Needs After Winter
America is a proud nation of vehicle drivers and vehicle owners. Our highways are the arteries that keep the heart of our beautiful country pumping. And, just like your arteries are essential to your health and wellbeing, keeping our highways smooth is critical to your vehicle’s health.
Many parts of the United States had a pretty rough winter season this year, and we can continue to experience its effects even as the temperature begins to rise. Salt used on our roads as the blistering cold took hold contributed to a ridiculous number of potholes reported over the last couple of months. When parking lots, roads, and driveways are not appropriately maintained, the result can take a toll on vehicles year-round, especially immediately following winter. Our experts of asphalt repairs in Park Fall, WI, offer the following car care essentials to keep in mind as we put away our gloves and snow boots and move into the warmer months ahead.
Check and top-off fluids
Our automobiles work harder during the winter months causing fluids to be depleted quickly. As we move into springtime, it is the perfect moment to top of fluids or change over to fluids that improve an automobile’s performance in warmer temps. Ensure you have plenty of transmission fluid, motor oil, windshield washer fluid, and coolant. Check manufacturer recommendations to ensure it is not time to flush out any of your systems to ensure optimal performance and warranty coverage in case of failures.
Brake noises should be checked out
Brakes are an essential safety device on your vehicle, so you should have them checked regularly. Even when you don't feel or hear an issue with your brakes, you should have pads and brake functionality inspected by a professional to ensure they are in good working order to prevent accidents and injuries.
Clean under your vehicle to prevent corrosion
Corrosive salt from road treatments can build up underneath your vehicle in the winter months. You can eliminate this harmful material effectively with a high-pressure spray nozzle. There are no unique cleaning solutions or chemicals required for salt removal. Instead, you can simply spray off the undercarriage with a high-pressure hose from a manual car wash. Remember to pay extra attention to the areas around your tires where salt and snow tend to gather.
Replace your wiper blades
Corrosive salt and cold temperatures can be destructive to your windshield wiper blades. It is essential to have an unobstructed view of the road in front of you when you are driving, and worn-out wiper blades will cause decreased visibility out of the windshield. You can easily change the blades on your own or ask for them to be replaced at your next oil change service.
Rotate your tires
It is easy to ignore your vehicle’s suspension system and tires as you drive, but they are crucial for getting you where you need to go.
Each time you drive over a rough patch of pavement or hit an unexpected pothole, you can damage your shocks and tires. Consistent and heavy snow and ice require attention to your tires. Tires have a habit of wearing out faster during winter weather conditions and should be inspected frequently. Remember to rotate your tires every 6 to 8,000 miles or six months.
Post-winter vehicle maintenance is essential for ensuring your vehicle's functionality and safety. If your asphalt has suffered from the winter weather, contact us today for asphalt repairs in Park Falls, WI. We want to be your paving professionals!