Spring maintenance is needed for your car. The signs that spring is coming are here. From melting snow, potholes on the roads, small buds on the trees, and warmer temperatures, we can read the signs and know that we’ve made it through a long Minnesota winter. Just like the coming of spring, your car also will give you signs that it’s in need of some care, and if you haven’t guessed already, we highly recommend a spring tune up for your car every year.So, how do you know if your car needs a spring tune up? We’ve got you covered with 5 ways your car is telling you it needs a tune up.
1. Your drive feels rougher than it used to
Our winter weather can be rough on our cars, especially our tires. If your ride doesn’t feel as smooth as it did last fall – it may be time for your spring maintenance check. Your mechanic should be rotating and balancing your tires regularly. Spring is also a great time for your mechanic to inspect the tread life left on your tires and your rims for any damage from your winter driving.
2. Steering seems more challenging
One sign that your car needs a tune up is that steering seems more challenging. Winter can mess with our alignment and suspension. One way your car tells you it needs an alignment check is pulling to one side or the other while driving. If you feel like you’re fighting with your steering wheel to drive in a straight line, it’s time to fix your alignment. When it comes to your suspension (shocks and struts), you may notice shaking at high speeds, trouble turning corners, and continued bouncing long after you hit a bump. If you notice any of these steering challenges, then a spring maintenance check is a good idea.
3. Night time visibility is difficult
Did you know that winter weather can cause yellow and hazy headlights, taillights, and turn signals? Yellowed lights will decrease visibility and increase your safety risk while driving at night. If the roads seem less clear at night, it may be a sign that your car needs a spring tune up. Ask your mechanic to replace yellowed lights and replace any burnt out bulbs. While we’re talking safety and visibility, we highly recommend replacing your windshield wiper blades. Winter can dull your blades and replacing them in spring will ensure you are ready for those spring rains. If your view is unclear, take your car in for your spring maintenance check to ensure safe visibility at all times of the day.
4. Your engine runs louder
After a long and bitterly cold winter, your engine could start making some noise. If you notice that your car seems to run a little louder than it did in pre-winter weather, your vehicle may be due for a little TLC. Our bitterly cold temperatures can cause cracking, and tearing to our belts and hoses which can lead to breakdowns on the side of the road if not addressed. Your mechanic should check the condition of your belts and hoses each spring which will give you peace of mind while driving around town or on that next road trip.
5. Your indicator lights are shining
This may seem like a no-brainer, but your indicator lights are a sign that your car needs some attention. When you schedule your spring maintenance check, you’ll want to make sure your mechanic checks your fluid levels like, coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and brake fluid. In addition, spring is a great time to replace your cabin air filter which protects the inside of your car from allergens and pollutants. Ensuring these small things are checked can go a long way for enjoyable spring driving.
While your vehicle may not physically talk to you, your car will let you know when it’s time for a spring maintenance check. Spring is always a great time for a reset when it comes to your car maintenance to ensure safe and smooth driving all year long.