This spring is the best time to take that road trip you've been longing for since winter; to that end, prepare your car with these spring vehicle maintenance tips from Synthetic Solutions in Zebulon.
5 Must-Follow Spring Vehicle Maintenance Tips
First, Give Your Car a Thorough Wash and Wax
Washing your car is the best way to start with this list of spring vehicle maintenance tips. Many people clean and wax their vehicles to keep them looking nice and glossy; however, the benefits of cleaning your car at the start of springtime go beyond just looking great. For example, did you know that your vehicle picks up corrosive particles from the road?
As you drive, your vehicle gets covered in dust, dirt, and airborne debris tossed out by the cars in front of you. Plus, you should know that different products are dumped on the roads and highways during wintertime to melt the slippery layer of ice that forms on top of the asphalt. These products usually contain sodium ions, chloride, among other chemicals that can oxidize and wear down the materials of your vehicle; hence the importance of giving your car a good washing and waxing at the beginning of spring.
To make your car as good as new, start by cleaning from top to bottom. When you get to the lower part of your vehicle, wash the undercarriage and tires thoroughly because they are the parts most prone to accumulate corrosive deposits. Don't forget to clean the trunk and interior of the vehicle to keep it as clear and light as possible.
Keeping your engine well-lubricated is key to boosting its performance and maximizing its life. If you want to learn more about using the most effective synthetic oil in Zebulon, call Synthetic Solutions at (888) 450-2658. Don't forget to browse AMSOIL's online store to purchase top-shelf lubricants for your vehicle!
Keep Your Tires in Mint Shape
The next step is to check the condition of your tire sets. For starters, check the air pressure and the tread of each tire. Doing this is necessary because low winter temperatures contract the air contained in the tires, which causes the tread to deform and wear. If you notice that your tires are underinflated, check the operating air pressure described in your owner's manual, and go to a service station with an air hose to inflate them to the correct amount of air. As for the tread, ideally, they should be free of cracks, irregular wear, or shallow tread depth; otherwise, see your mechanic for a tire rotation or replacement.
Other procedures you should consider are tire alignment and tire balancing. After all, it's common to mess up the wheelsets by falling into snow-covered potholes or curbs during the winter; therefore, be sure to take your vehicle to the shop for a check-up.
Top Off Liquids and Fluids
Next up is to check the fluid levels. This step is crucial because the fluids circulating under your hood contribute to keeping the different systems of your engine protected against heat and friction, not to mention contributing to its cleanliness and efficiency. First, check the oil levels and refill the reservoir if necessary. It's also crucial that you inspect the coolant levels. Don't forget to check the levels of other essential fluids, such as the transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
The next thing to do is to check the charge and condition of your battery. To better understand the importance of this check, you should know that the battery generates an electrochemical reaction to provide current to your vehicle; hence, every time you start your car, the battery mixes liquid electrolytes and lead plates to generate voltage.
One factor that can slow down the battery's electrochemical reactions is the cold, which means that the lower the temperature, the weaker the battery. Consequently, the battery consumes more stored chemical energy to compensate for its slowness, making the battery discharge faster. Given these facts, it is of utmost importance that you have your battery checked at the beginning of each spring.
Finally, Pay Attention to Your Brakes
Keeping your brakes in optimal condition will contribute to your driving safety and peace of mind this spring; therefore, check the entire brake system, including brake lines, brake pads, rotors, hoses, and brake fluid.
Aside from all the spring vehicle maintenance tips listed in this post, keep your engine in mint shape for spring by giving it a synthetic oil change in Zebulon. To find the right formula for your car, reach out to the oil pros at Synthetic Solutions by calling them at (888) 450-2658. Don't forget to visit AMSOIL's online store to place your order for top-shelf products for your vehicle.