Business

Spring has finally sprung and that is really good news because this winter has been a tough one for many Americans. Blizzards, ice storms and temperatures so low throughout the north and midwest that planes in Chicago were grounded due to frozen jet fuel. Thankfully, the polar vortex is behind us and soon we’ll be experiencing warmer temps, sunny days and much less snow and ice. During the winter, you were probably too concerned with the health of your family and your furnace to focus on the toll this weather has taken on your car. And that’s okay because here’s a list of ways to breathe life back into your vehicle when your able to go outside without getting frostbite.

1. Restore headlights

Let’s face it, this one is easy to forget. As long as our headlights turn off and on and allow us to see the road at night, we don’t tend to worry about how dirty they can get. That is, until the protective plastic starts to collect moisture and grime which dampen the lights, making it harder for you to see in the dark. Cleaning inside of your headlights can help brighten your night drive and helps your car’s appearance.

     2. Check oil and other fluids

During the winter, oil changes and fluid top offs may not be your top priority. Now, is the time to get that oil change you’ve been putting off and have your mechanic check your transmission, steering, break, and windshield wiper fluids to make sure you are road ready for spring.

     3. Test Battery

Cold weather can have a bad impact on all electronics and this is especially true for your battery. If you’re having trouble starting your car or your battery is getting up there in age, it’s a good idea to have it tested at your local auto shop. 

     4. Visit the car wash

Of course, a car wash is great for keeping your car looking shiny and new, but it’s also a good way to make sure there aren’t any cracks in your windshield or a nail in your tire under all of the dirt and debris you’ve collected over the winter. This is especially true in the mid Atlantic region,  which has the worst winter driving in the entire US. Salt may keep your car from sliding on icy roads, but if you don’t wash it off, it can start to strip the paint on your car.

     5. Check tire pressure and replace lost air

As temperature decreases, so too does pressure which can cause you to lose air in your tires. This will be most noticeable when the temperatures begin to rise again. Make sure you replace the air you may have lost in the winter because uneven pressure can cause bigger problems than just a blown tire.

     6. Clean the interior

Now that it’s warming up, it’s time for spring cleaning. Clear out those old water bottles and receipts and anything else you may have collected over the winter. And while you’re at it clean the inside and outside of your windows to make sure you don’t have any visibility issues in the future.

These are a few of the best ways to make sure your car recovers from the winter weather. They will make sure your car is safe and clean and ready for the road trips you have planned this spring and summer.