5 Tips for Spring Car Care Month
One of the most beautiful and pleasant times of the year in Vermont is spring. Can we say—the sun's out, guns out?
In addition to welcoming warmer temperatures, spring is the perfect time to lean into vehicle maintenance and car care. In fact, April is Spring Car Care Month!Twice a year, in October and April, Girlington Garage celebrates National Car Care Month to bring attention to the importance of regular car care and preventative maintenance. Let's explore a few vehicle maintenance tips you can use this spring for National Car Care Month to prevent more expensive car repairs.
1. Start Spring with an Oil Change
No matter the season, getting an oil change is one of the most important preventative vehicle maintenance services you can schedule. However, your spring oil change is special. During colder months, many vehicles in Vermont will use heavier-weight oil to manage the blistering temperatures. But you should replace this heavier-weight oil with a different one when temperatures increase. The all-star experts at Girlington Garage can explain your options and guide you to the best solution for your unique vehicle.
2. Bye, Bye Winter Tires—Hello Summer & All Season Tires
Winter tires are a must-have feature in Vermont’s freezing temperatures. But when the ice thaws and warmer temperatures become the norm, you should swap your winter tires for summer or all-season tires. Winter tires have special rubber designed to stay soft and pliable in ice, snow, and freezing temperatures.If you're driving on winter tires in the summer, your wallet will feel the heat. Specifically, winter tires will be exponentially faster to wear in summer. The best solution is to switch to summer tires or all-season tires.Can't decide which tires are best for your vehicle? Don't sweat it. Girlington Garage can advise you on the best path forward.
3. Swap Out Your Cabin Filter
Another vehicle maintenance tip for spring is to change your cabin air filter. You should change your cabin air filter for two (one creepy) reasons.First, a new cabin air filter could be beneficial for those with allergies. Filters clogged with debris will be less effective at removing allergens like pollen, dirt, and dust.Second, whether your vehicle has been sitting outside or in storage for an extended period, there is a chance that critters might have taken up residence in your air filter. Eek! Fortunately, changing the cabin air filter can evict them from their temporary residence. Most importantly, changing the cabin air filter can prevent you and your family from inhaling animal waste and other allergens.
4. Schedule a Wheel Alignment
While melting snow is a welcome sight, the potholes unveiled by the melted snow are not. These potholes can range from small bumps that cause you to cringe every time you run over one to massive canyons that seem as if they can swallow your whole vehicle.In addition to slowing down as you drive over potholes, spring is the perfect time to schedule an alignment check. Thus, as you swap out your snow tires for summer tires, make sure to have wheel alignment. This can prevent your summer tires from wearing too quickly by ensuring they are straight.
5. Schedule a Brake Inspection for Spring
Your brakes are one of the most fundamental safety features in your vehicle. Because of the beating your brakes take in South Burlington's icy winters, you should schedule a brake inspection in spring.In fact, did you know that brake wear and tear often increases in the winter months? Hazardous road conditions like sliding on ice and slipping can cause you to use your brakes much more than normal. The continual application of your brakes can cause them to wear out faster.More so, if you are an aggressive driver, the excessive friction and heat can cause cracks to form. As such, if you notice any squealing, grinding, squeaking, or any other indication of wear, it's imperative to have your brakes checked in South Burlington, VT. This simple vehicle maintenance tip can save you time and money and may even save a life.
Contact Girlington Garage for Vehicle Maintenance & Car Care Solutions
Whether you need an oil change, wheel alignment, or any other auto repair, the expert technicians at Girlington Garage can help. We are committed to delivering a world-class customer experience at every turn, no matter the car care or vehicle maintenance service you need.
Call us at 802-247-7917, visit our shop at 2 Harbor View Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403, or schedule an appointment online.
