Wondering what are the signs your car needs a tune-up? Unusual noises or dashboard lights could be great indicators, but a season change is usually a good time to pay special attention to your vehicle. With spring around the corner, you should spring-clean your car and get it all set for the warm drives in Johnsonburg or even road trips outside of Kersey. Learn the five main steps of a spring tune-up, whether you drive a Jeep or RAM, below!
Most people associate spring cleaning with homes, but did you know that you can also spring clean your car? Winters in PA can be tough on your ride, whether it’s the salt from the road or the freezing temperatures. That’s why the first part of your car spring tune-up should be a thorough wash. You can go to a car wash or do it yourself. If you’re rolling up your sleeves tackling the car wash, a pro tip is to add baking soda to the wash water to help neutralize the salt and save your paint job if your car has a strong salt buildup.
While the residue on your vehicle from the snow and salt is a great sign that your car needs a tune-up, there are some components on your car that you should be checking, like the tires. Don’t wait until you have a flat to make sure your tires are filled up to the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. You should also be checking the tire treads and rotating them when necessary. These are inspections and maintenance you should already be doing daily regardless of the season, but if it’s been a while since you’ve done them, add them as a part of your vehicle spring tune-up.
Snow can damage and wear on your windshield wipers, so if your wipers are streaking, replace them. They are inexpensive and simple to replace, so you won’t even need to pay someone to do it for you in Ridgeway. You should also make sure to top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain. This step of spring cleaning your car will refresh the look of your car and make sure you can drive safely even during the rain.
Besides checking your tires, you should also check your car’s electrical system. Many parts shops have free battery checks where you can find out just how strong your battery is. If your battery is getting weak, you can prevent future problems by replacing it before it stops working. That way, you won’t be left stranded with a dead battery.
The last way to spring clean your car is to change the oil. Regular oil changes ensure your car has a long, healthy life. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions for oil change intervals and oil viscosity, and remember to change the oil filter as well. Some car shops offer fluid top-offs, tire checks, battery checks, and even throw in tire rotation in their oil change prices, so you can take care of almost all of your spring maintenance in just one stop.
Whether you’d like some help from our service team or you want to know more about the different signs your car needs a tune-up, get in touch with us and we’d be happy to help! We’re your go-to car dealership in the St Marys area.
