As we all know, Springtime is a great time to reset, clean, and stay fresh. Whether it’s to clean your closet or make better financial decisions, we are all used to this yearly ritual. For some, it might be time to hit the reset button on how well you maintain your vehicle. It’s not uncommon to lose track of all noises or lights that have been begging for our attention. The spring season is the perfect time to make your vehicle a priority and recommit to the proper maintenance your vehicle deserves.
You may have heard the saying, “It's easier to keep up than catch up,” and this applies to your vehicle too. Whether you live in a cold climate or a warm one, this time of year is great for catching up on any neglected maintenance or service work so you can have an easier time keeping up on the maintenance in the future.
Scheduled Maintenance
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual and determine when your recommended car maintenance services should be performed. Typical vehicle maintenance includes checking or replacing components like filters, fluids, and belts. Your vehicle manufacturer publishes these intervals because they understand the importance of these components to the overall health of the vehicle.
Tires:
One of the most significant items to check in the winter months is your tire pressure. When the temperature drops, so does your tire pressure, so it’s important to ensure your tires are at the correct pressure. If you have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System light illuminated on the dash, it may require a reset procedure. If you are unaware of the procedure, your neighborhood Pep Boys can assist you.
If you live in cold climates, you might want to consider purchasing winter tires. Some people call them snow tires but helping you maintain traction in the snow is just part of their job. They also help maintain traction in cold weather. This is because of their softer rubber compound that stays pliable in the cold weather and allows the tire to remain pliable, allowing it to conform to the road. To help you choose the best winter tire for your vehicle, we have an online selector tool, that makes choosing the right tire easy. Of course, we also have professionals that are here to help at any of our convenient locations.
If you live in a warmer climate but see increased precipitation this time of year, an all-season tire is a great option. To get the most out of your vehicle, ensure you have proper tread depth for those rainy days. Not sure if you are in need of new tires? Most technicians recommend replacing at 4/32nds depth wear or less. Using a quarter and placing it head down will help you determine if you need a new set of tires. Visit your local Pep Boys if you need assistance. If you do require a new set of tires, we recommend an alignment check; this will prevent any irregular wear to your new tires. A common maintenance interval to ensure you get the most out of your tires is to rotate them every 5,000 miles.
Battery
Your vehicle’s battery is the heart of your vehicle’s electrical system, so having it in good working order is critical at any time of the year. We often hear that batteries fail in the winter, but did you know that it's often the heat of the summer that has the greatest impact on your battery’s life? The battery degrades due to the heat but often doesn’t show up until those cold mornings. Through regular testing of the battery, you can catch and replace a failing battery before it completely fails.
In addition to regular battery testing, it is important to have clean battery terminals. Over time, corrosion will build up, creating additional resistance in your electrical circuit. This additional resistance may cause slow cranking or even a no-start condition.
Windshield Wipers
Another top maintenance item for the start of the new year is your windshield wipers. According to the Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Some of the symptoms of poor-performing wiper blades include squeaking and streaking. You may also visibly start to see them fall apart. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good time to have them replaced. Even if you do not have any symptoms, MAP recommends replacing your wiper blades every year as a great way to keep your visibility when you need it the most.
In conjunction with the wiper blade, your wiper fluid is critical in keeping your windshield clean. Not only do you want to ensure you have enough fluid in your tank, but you want to make sure the fluid’s freezing temp is below the outside temp. This is critical if you live in colder climates.
Fluids
Regular fluid checks ensure the respective systems have what they need to operate. Oil often comes to mind when considering vehicle fluid, which is critical to maintaining your engine. In addition to oil, it is important to inspect and achieve the proper levels for the brakes, transmission, power steering, and engine coolant.
Brakes
One of the most critical systems on your vehicle is your braking system. There are a few things you can do to better understand the condition of your brakes. The first thing is to listen, if you hear a squealing or squeaking noise while driving it could be an indicator that it is time to have your brakes serviced. Another indicator is if you feel a vibration or pulsation in the brake pedal or seat while applying the brakes, it’s an indicator that brakes should be inspected.
AC
Although some of us don’t think about our AC systems in the winter, many people enjoy the warm southern climates and still use their vehicle’s Air Conditioning throughout the winter. One thing we can all agree on is that there is nothing worse than driving your vehicle on a warm day with AC blowing warm air. If your vehicle has struggled to keep you cool, it’s better to have it inspected and serviced before temperatures get too warm.
Lighting
Lastly, one of the simplest maintenance items to check is your vehicle’s lighting. Ensuring your lights work is an easy check. A quick walk around to ensure your headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, etc. is a good periodic practice. This simple maintenance ensures you comply with any local laws and keeps you visible to other drivers.
Proper maintenance is essential for keeping your vehicle running smoothly and ensuring its longevity. Remember, investing a little time and effort now could save you down the road. If you are unsure how to perform these inspections or services, Pep Boys is here to help you.
