What does spring maintenance look like?
Good mechanical and cosmetic maintenance is the winning formula for extending the life of a vehicle and increasing its resale value. Considering how much new and used vehicle prices and interest rates have risen in the last year, it is actually wiser and more profitable to keep your car, SUV or truck longer.
Of course, the best thing to do is to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, i.e., follow the various intervals (in time or mileage) for inspection and replacement of parts, and then use the proper fluids and parts for the vehicle.
Also, each season is different and brings different maintenance needs. When winter is over, what should you think about? Here are some tips and reminders on spring maintenance.
Tires and mechanics
When temperatures stabilize above 7 degrees Celsius during the day, it's safe to reinstall your all-season tires. Take this opportunity to inspect the tread and make sure the wear is still uniform. If not, the alignment of the wheels may need to be corrected during your next visit to the garage. Next, check the pressure according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. Remember: an under-inflated tire wears out faster and increases fuel consumption unnecessarily.
It's often the case that a motor oil change is needed in the spring. If you don't, a routine under-the-hood check is still advisable. For example, check that all the various reservoirs (engine oil, coolant, windshield washer fluid, etc.) are full, that there is no rust and that the filters are in good condition.
The engine air filter is usually easily accessible under the hood and should not be clogged with dust and dirt. Start by cleaning it with a vacuum cleaner, then with water (but dry it completely). If it's too clogged, it's time to replace it. Don't forget the cabin air filter (often accessible behind the glove compartment), because with all the pollen and particles in the air in the spring and summer, you'll need it!
Exterior
Start by spraying the entire body, mouldings, rims, inside of the fenders and, as much as possible, the underside of the vehicle, where most of the winter grime accumulates.
Then, using a soft cloth or sponge, wash with soapy water and dry with a chamois. Wax is up to you but gives even better results. On the other hand, a protective coating on the rubber seals of the doors and trunk is a good idea to keep them from drying out and cracking during the coming summer.
Check your wiper blades: if you had them installed specifically for winter, they should be changed now. It's also very important to identify areas where rust is trying to take hold and deal with them quickly.
Interior
When winter is over, you no longer need to carry bags of salt, a shovel and traction grids in the trunk. You can also downsize your emergency kit to keep only the essentials for the warmer months. Then clean out the interior, including the storage compartments. All the junk and unnecessary items add weight that your car can do without. The same goes for the ski rack on the roof, which also increases wind resistance.
Of course, a big job in the cabin in the spring is to remove the calcium and small rocks that have accumulated over the previous months. Don't just think about the carpets and rugs underneath: there may also be some on the seat cushions and the bottom of the doors.
The vacuum cleaner is your first ally, followed by a solution of water and vinegar (take advantage of a sunny day to hang your carpets on the clothesline). A cloth simply soaked in hot water is sufficient for the dashboard, doors and leather seats. Don't use an ammonia solution, which can damage the plastic.
