Getting a Car Ready for Spring

​Of all the seasons, winter is probably the most troublesome for car owners. Not only because snowfall makes it hard to see the road and control the car against the thick, slippery snow, the cold temperature that winter brings also means extra effort in regards to ensuring that a car stays in top shape come spring time. 

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Many car owners just do not realize but extremely low temperatures and snow sneaking inside the car can cause damage. They are not just factors that one would want to ignore. The damages these may bring are often significant especially when overlooked when the next season comes. So for convenience, it is especially important to execute some of the basic maintenance procedures to make a car spring-ready.

Changing of Wiper Blades
         During winter, the wipers of a car act as scrapers for frozen rain particles and snow. Because of this, the rubber compound on the wiper blades crack or split, especially during prolonged use. As a result, visibility may be reduced during inclement weathers in the spring season.
         Replacing wiper blades is pretty straightforward. One must be sure to buy the correct wiper blades for their car. Then, the old blades must be removed by lifting the wiper arm away from the car’s windshield. At the underside of the blade is a tab that is depressed to be able to slide the old blade away. Next, the new wiper can be attached by pulling it tight onto the wiper arm. A clicking sound should indicate that it is secured tightly in place. Lastly, the wiper arm is backed onto the windshield and the process is repeated for the other wiper.

Washing the Underbody
         Driving during the winter time will cause accumulation of sand, salt, and other debris that may cause rust and ultimately corrosion when spring comes. So to avoid this, one must remember to wash the car’s undercarriage.
         To do this, a car jack must be used to raise the vehicle. This makes hosing down the underbody easier and more efficient. Pressure of the hose must be enough to dislodge stuck debris. Hosing down must be done thoroughly until the underbody is sure to be cleaned.

Checking Tire Pressure
         Cold temperatures bring down tire pressure for as much as 1 PSI for every ten degree temperature drop. When spring comes, driving in underinflated tires is not just dangerous, but it also wears the car’s tires more significantly. To avoid this, one must note to check the car’s tire pressure as the season changes.
         To properly check the pressure, the tires must be left unused for at least three hours after driving. Gauging tire pressure by eyeballing and touching would not suffice. Proper tire pressure gauge must be used to ensure accuracy. Now, different vehicles have different tire pressure requirements so one should check the owner’s manual of the car to know the proper PSI that must be applied. After knowing, necessary adjustments to the tire pressure can be made.
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         These simple procedures are beneficial to ensure longevity of a car. Not only that, it makes car owners feel more safe and secured as they drive by during spring.
To make these tasks even easier, check out Meyers Auto Parts for car parts and other necessities. Questions and orders can also be directed to (702) 431-8000.