Spring Ahead: Advanced Car Maintenance Techniques for the New Season
As the snow melts and the days grow longer, it’s clear that spring is on the horizon. At Girlington Garage we believe that the change of seasons is the perfect time to give your vehicle a comprehensive check-up.
Spring car care is about more than just a wash and wax; it’s about preparing your vehicle for the warmer months ahead with advanced maintenance techniques. Let’s dive into how you can spring ahead with your car maintenance this season.
The Importance of Seasonal Car Maintenance
Seasonal transitions, especially from winter to spring, can be tough on your vehicle. The cold weather may have put additional strain on your car’s battery, tires, and suspension systems. As a part of our commitment to quality car care and customer education, we want to guide you through some advanced car maintenance tips to ensure your vehicle performs optimally in the new season.
Battery Health Check
Winter can be harsh on your car’s battery. Come spring, it’s crucial to check your battery’s health. This involves testing the battery’s charge, ensuring the connections are clean, tight, and free of corrosion. A professional battery test at Girlington Garage can tell you if it’s time for a replacement, saving you from unexpected starting trouble on your spring adventures.
Suspension and Alignment Review
Potholes and rough winter roads can take a toll on your vehicle’s suspension and alignment. An advanced maintenance tip is to have your suspension system checked for any damage or wear and tear. Getting a yearly alignment for your vehicle is a smart way to address this. Our alignment specialists must inspect your car’s major suspension and steering components before performing an alignment to ensure it holds properly. Yearly alignments also ensure that your vehicle continues to handle correctly and that your tires wear evenly.
Fluids and Filters Check
Spring is an excellent time to check your vehicle’s fluids and filters, which are crucial for its smooth operation.
Fluid Flush and Refill
Beyond just topping off, it is wise to consider fluid flushes and refills. You can have flushes performed on coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Clean fluids ensure continued protection for your larger and more expensive components like radiators, brake cylinders, power steering pumps and racks, and your transmission. Just as you change your engine oil regularly to keep your engine running smoothly, you should also change your other fluids regularly to maintain your other mechanical components. Keeping up with this maintenance will not only lead to fewer expensive car repairs in the long term but also provide a safer and smoother drive now.
Filter Replacement
Winter driving can clog your vehicle’s air filters with debris and salt. Replacing your engine and cabin air filters is a step beyond basic maintenance that can improve your car’s efficiency and the air quality inside your cabin.
Embrace Advanced Tire Care
Tires are your vehicle’s first and only contact point in the road, making their care paramount in advanced car maintenance.
Tire Rotation and Balance
Rotating and balancing your tires are crucial steps in extending their life and ensuring your vehicle drives smoothly. This is especially important if you’re switching from winter to all-season or summer tires. It’s worth noting that many tire warranties require proof of tire rotation every 6,000 miles in order to remain valid.
Advanced Tire Inspection
An advanced inspection goes beyond checking tire pressure. Check your tread depth by using a penny (for summer tires) or a quarter (for tires driven through the winter). Put the coin between the treads so you can see the president standing on his head. If you can see the top of the head, then it’s time to buy new tires. Repeat this in several spots between different treads. After checking your tread depth, look for uneven wear patterns, which could indicate alignment issues, and inspect the tires for any damage or signs of aging, such as cracks or bulges.
Prepare for the Unexpected
As part of our advanced spring car care tips, we recommend preparing for the unexpected. This includes ensuring your emergency kit is stocked and checking your lights and wipers.
Emergency Kit Update
Update your car’s emergency kit with seasonal items. In addition to year-round essentials like jumper cables and a first-aid kit, consider adding spring-specific items like allergy medication and extra windshield washer fluid.
Lights and Wipers Check
Ensure your lights are working correctly and replace any burned-out bulbs. Spring showers require good wipers for visibility, so replace them if they’re worn or streaking.
Why Choose Girlington Garage for Your Spring Car Care?
At Girlington Garage, we’re not just mechanics; we’re your neighbors in South Burlington, VT, dedicated to ensuring your vehicle is ready for the spring season. Our certified automotive technicians offer a blend of expertise, respect, and wit, making car maintenance an enjoyable part of your seasonal routine. With our three-year/36,000-mile warranty, you can trust that your car is in good hands.
Call Girlington Garage to Schedule Your Spring Vehicle Maintenance
Advanced car maintenance is the key to a smooth and safe driving experience, especially as we transition into spring. By focusing on comprehensive check-ups and preparing your vehicle for the new season, you’re investing in its longevity and performance. Whether you need a professional battery check, fluid flush, or tire care, Girlington Garage is here to help. Give us a call at 802-247-7917 or visit us at 2 Harbor View Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403. Let’s get your car spring-ready together!
For more car maintenance tips and services, visit our blog. Your vehicle deserves the best care, and we’re here to deliver it!
