April is the National Car Care Month so what better time to give your vehicle the TLC you’ve been putting off during the cold winter months. Taking proper care of your car is vital to the longevity of your vehicle. Follow these simple and easy spring car care basics to extend the lifetime of your vehicle and save you money in the long run.
A simple but essential spring car care tip is to wash and wax. During the winter, sale, debris, and road grime will build upon your vehicle. Debris and dirt build up will affect your car’s paint and finish, but salt can do much worse damage, leading to rust and other serious problems. Spend a beautiful spring day outside washing your car or take it to your local car wash for a much-needed bath!
Changing your car’s oil and filter will help the engine continue to work at its best and prevent costly repairs to drivers down the road. As the weather begins to warm up, your air conditioning will be on more which means your engine will be working harder. According to Meineke, the average cost of a year’s’ worth of oil changes is approximately $120, which is much lower than the cost of not proactively maintaining a vehicle’s engine, $4,000. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Energy found that with routine oil changes and the right kind of oil, gas mileage can be improved over time by one to two percent! Be sure to take the time to check when you need an oil change and do not push it off if the time is now!
Your vehicle’s battery will drain quicker with colder temperatures, so it is essential to check if the battery is fully charged. Using a voltmeter, you will be able to determine if your battery is good or bad. If you want to test the charge yourself, remember always to wear a pair of rubber gloves and goggles because this will protect your hands and eyes from acid. You can also stop in at your local mechanic or car shop for a test! Most car shops offer it for free!
Driving in wintry conditions and over potholes can damage your vehicle’s alignment and suspension. If you notice uneven tire wear, your car seems to fight against the steering, or if you are using more gas than you used to it may mean your suspension is not correct. Alignment is critical because it increases safety as well as determines how long your tires and gas will last. If you think your alignment or suspension needs correcting, contact your local car shop or mechanic.
April is National Car Care Month, which makes it a perfect time to give your car the TLC it needs. Winter weather can take a toll on your vehicle, so follow these spring car care tips for keeping your car in the best shape!
Mark Alexopoulos is a leading entrepreneur and technology expert in the automotive remarketing industry. Check out his automotive blog or follow him onTwitter!
This blog was originally posted on Mark Alexopoulos' Automotive Blog
