1. Tire service
First and foremost, if you have winter tires on, it’s time to swap them out for your summer tires. Winter tires are only meant to be used in colder temperatures because of their rubber compound. Warm weather is hard on winter tires, causing them to wear down quicker which means you’ll need to replace them sooner. This is an expense that can be avoided by switching to your summer tires.
Tire services also include:
- Checking tire pressure
- Tread depth inspection
- Checking for wear and tear
- Tire rotation
- Wheel alignment
- Wheel balance
2. Check your brakes
Ideally, you should have your brakes checked right before the winter months and then again during the spring. Skidding, hard brakes, and sudden stops on ice and snow can do some damage. It’s important to have your brake components fixed before the damage worsens, leading to other wear and tear to significant components in your vehicle.
Chevrolet services in Glencoe include:
- Cleaning and lubricating brake components
- Replacing worn brake pads
- Flushing and replacing old brake fluid
- Resurfacing rotors
3. Spring clean your vehicle
No matter how hard we try to keep our vehicles clean during winter, it’s a challenge with all of the salt, sand, and winter slush. Spring is a perfect time to clean all of the built-up grime, clean the floor mats, and vacuum the interior. Be sure to clean the underside of your car, where road treatments can cause corrosion and rust. Avoid using chemicals when cleaning the underside of your vehicle - the goal is to remove the residue with a car wash spray.
Don’t forget to:
- Open the hood and remove leaves or other debris
- Wipe down the engine block, battery, and built-up dust
- Finish your wash with wax and a good polish to repel dirt
4. Full inspection
While big vehicle components are important to have serviced, the seemingly small parts are just as significant to ensure your safety and a smooth drive. Walk around your vehicle and do a full-body inspection, including:
- Checking the headlights and tail lights - replacing either if necessary
- Replacing the wipers to be ready for the spring showers and summer storms to come
- Checking for rust and having it dealt with right away
- Opening the sunroof and checking for any cracks or damages
5. Top up fluids
Schedule routine maintenance for an oil change and to top up fluids like the transmission, radiator, coolant, and power steering. Be sure to top up your windshield washer fluid, change your air filter, and of course, bring your vehicle in if you’re experiencing even the slightest of issues. It’s always best to take care of problems right away and prevent costly repairs or replacements.