​​Time To Bring Your Vehicle Out Of Winter and Into Spring​

When the seasons change, your vehicle needs to be ready. Warmer air and road conditions mean returning to a regular mix of fuel and more energy required to run your vehicle’s air conditioner and air filtration systems. There are also other things to consider with your vehicle upkeep. Winter road conditions will leave behind some nasty cracks and potholes that could damage your suspension.  

Don’t fall behind on maintaining your vehicle. Before winter goes away here in the Indianapolis area, how about getting your vehicle ready for spring? Here is what you should look for: 

Check the condition of your wiper blades. Some motorists tend to use them to wipe snow and ice off the windshield instead of brushing or scraping it off, which adds wear and tear to the wipers. Please inspect your wiper blades, including the rear ones, if you have them. If they need replacing, please do so.  

Winter driving can affect your vehicle’s fluids. Do a complete check of all accessible fluids, including oil. Make sure they are full and of a proper color. If you find anything off, fill those fluids up and/or change them completely. That includes oil changes if required.  

During the winter, your filters may become either dirty or clogged. Have all of them changed, including air filters, air filtration system, oil (along with an oil change), and even the fuel filter, if needed.  

The most critical part of your vehicle is where the rubber meets the road. That is why your tires need to be thoroughly inspected. Tire pressures will drop along with the temperatures. Have them checked and put the proper air pressure required for spring driving, including the spare tire. If you see that the tires are wearing down, consider replacing them. If you use winter tires, change them out before the temperatures get warmer and store them in a cooler place inside your garage.  

Another item in your vehicle that might affect its performance is your battery. Colder temperatures will cause harder and longer cranks from the ignition, drawing more energy from the battery. Check the battery’s charge. If it is low, get it recharged. Or, better still, replace it. 

We mentioned how road conditions will change when the air temperatures get warmer. Cracks and potholes can be hazards you should avoid. Unfortunately, we end up encountering them. You should inspect your suspension system. Check to see if your shocks became softer over time. Just a push over each wheel will do. Also, look for cracks and possible broken parts of your suspension and your wheels, as potholes can cause damage to them.  

Of course, you can do all of this yourself. Or you can let the service professionals at Alderman Automotive do this for you. We’re here to make sure that your car, truck, SUV, and minivan is ready to tackle another spring. Contact us to schedule an appointment to get your vehicle ready for spring. You can also see what kind of service specials we offer ahead of your appointment.