Spring maintenance checklist cars3/24/2024 ![]() Once winter ends, it’s important to wash every part of your vehicle’s exterior using a soft sponge with soap and water. We’re not talking about a quick trip to the local DIY carwash. As the ice melts and the sun starts to shine again, now is a great time to review our spring cleaning and car maintenance checklist! Clean Your Exterior & Interior Salt, snow, and ice can damage the body and even eat away at the paint. Winter climates can be particularly rough on a vehicle’s exterior and undercarriage. Wiper blades on vehicles operating under severe conditions should be checked daily for deterioration.Extreme weather conditions can take their toll on any vehicle.Check wiper blades regularly (especially during the warmer months) and change blades that may have deteriorated.It could render your car dangerous, unroadworthy and uninsured. If you have any concerns, get them checked by an automotive technician. Check that both pedals perform properly and that they are not sinking to the floor.Ensure you top-up using the correct fluid.There are typically marks on the reservoirs for you to use as a guide. Check the fluid levels of the brake and clutch cylinders (if applicable).A tread depth less than a match-head is unsafe and illegal. Check for abnormal tyre wear which may indicate incorrect pressure or a wheel alignment problem.If you have to use your space saver spare tyre, it should not be driven at speeds above 80 kph or for distances exceeding 100km.Usually, space saver spare tyres should be inflated to 420 kps / 60 PSI. Check tyre pressure regularly including the spare.In this situation, consult a battery specialist or automotive technician. A battery labelled "low maintenance" or "maintenance free" could still be low on fluid.Check the electrolyte level and top up with water if required.Ensure the terminals are clean and securely tightened.If the belt appears loose, have an automotive technician make the necessary adjustments especially in newer cars. Check for fraying, cracks or other signs of deterioration.When driving, particularly on long journeys, continuously check your oil and water indicators, and warning lights.Vehicles with air conditioning occasionally drip water from the condenser drain pipe, so any apparent leakage may not necessarily be from the engine cooling system. Look for signs of oil or coolant leakage on the driveway after your vehicle has been parked.If your oil is darker than usual and you're unsure of the mileage or when your last service was, the oil should be replaced. Engine oil tends to get darker in colour as it ages. Check the engine oil level using the dipstick when the engine is cold - perform this check twice.Check radiator and heater hoses for signs of deterioration, leakage, softening and loose clamps. ![]() Leaks are indicated by the presence of water or water staining.
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