Welcome to springtime! As we all enjoy the warm weather and an urge to clean, we wanted to remind drivers that this is also the perfect time for a tune-up.
Things You Can Do:
1. Get a Car Wash
This critical auto care step is about more than just looking good for cruising in the spring. It’s also about maintaining resale value. A good cleaning will reveal minor dings and chips in the paint, which are magnets for costly and all-consuming rust. Additionally, a good wash, that includes the undercarriage is recommended.
2. Check Your Battery Life
If you have the right equipment to measure it, then you should be checking your battery yearly.
Spring is as good a time as any.
By doing a complete car battery inspection frequently, you can help extend the life of your battery.
Not only that, but you will also notice ahead of time if there are problems or if the battery needs to be replaced.
This will reduce the likelihood of an expensive tow and repair.
Examine the battery case. Make sure it’s free of corrosion, and wipe any dust or dirt off. If you see cracks or oozing at the top of the battery case, it’s time to replace the battery.
Examine the brackets. If they are highly corroded, they need to be replaced. Make sure they hold the battery firmly. A vibrating battery will have a much shorter life and may damage other components.
Check the battery terminals and posts for signs of corrosion. You may be able to have corrosion cleaned by a technician and avoid having to replace the battery outright.
Tighten any loose cables.
Make sure the fan belt isn’t loose. A loose fan belt can hamper a battery’s ability to recharge. Replace the fan belt if it is frayed or cracked.
Watch and listen for warning signs of battery failure, such as lights dimming while idling, or clicking when you turn the ignition.
3. Inspect Your Tires.
When it comes to checking your tires, proper pressure levels aren’t the only thing you should be looking for. Your vehicle’s tires face various terrains, weather conditions, obstacles, and more when you get behind the wheel. Checking in on the health of your tires is just as important as making sure your gas tank is full and your oil is changed. It is recommended that you check your vehicle’s tire pressure each month, especially if the weather is changing. Changes in temperature can have a major effect on your tire pressure, so it is important to be checking more often if there’s a drastic shift in temperature. You might be thinking that every month seems like a lot, but the tires on your vehicle lose air constantly, even if they haven’t been driven on much.
Maintaining proper tire pressure and checking it regularly is important, but there are a few other key things you should be on the lookout for next time you break out the tire gauge. When checking your tires, it is important to take a look at their tread. If the tread is beginning to wear down, then your tires will lose traction and won’t grip the road as well when driving through bad weather.
To check the tread depth on your tires, insert a quarter into the tread at the center of your tire – be sure to position the quarter with George Washington’s head pointing toward the tire. If the tread is even with the top of George’s head then the tires are still safe, but you should consider getting new ones soon. You can repeat this test with a penny and if the tread is even with Lincoln’s head then the tires should be replaced as soon as possible. Additionally, you should be on the lookout for any cracks or dry spots on your tires, as this can lead to a flat tire or blowout.
Measure tire pressure after the car has been parked for several hours, and check its manual for the PSI that should register on the gauge. If there’s a low reading, top off the problem tires at a gas station.
4. Clean Out The Interior Of Your Car
Even if you have rubber mats, it’s always good to clean the car interior after winter since you most likely tracked dirt, gravel, salt and other de-icing agents in.
Things You’ll Need a Technician For:
5. Get Your Tires Replaced or Rotated
Get your tires replaced or rotated. Depending on how your tire inspection went, it might be time for some replacements. A tire rotation might be good if you haven’t had them rotated lately.
6. Inspect Under The Vehicle
Quite often, it’s hard for drivers to see under their vehicle, so let the experts inspect this for you.
7. Check Or Replace Battery
If you aren’t able to measure your car’s battery life or it needs replacement, then getting it done during the tune-up would be ideal.
8. Check Out The Spare Tire
Most people forget about the spare tire as it’s hidden away in the trunk.
Hopefully, your spare tire will just be something that sits in your trunk and goes along for the ride, but in the event that you need it, it should be in top shape so that it’s ready to get you to where you need to go for repair. To keep your spare in good condition, follow these tips:
Check the Pressure – Just like your other tires, your spare’s pressure will need to be monitored. Temperature changes and time can affect the level of air in your tire. Before driving, be sure the tire is inflated to the recommended level as set by the manufacturer.
Rotate often – Every 6,000 – 8,000 miles, your tires should be rotated and that includes the spare (applies to full-size tires, only). Usually, the spare is rotated into the right rear position and the old one becomes the spare. Consult with your owner’s manual to be sure this applies to your vehicle.
Check the Tread – Your ability to control your vehicle depends on the tires’ traction on the road, especially in wet conditions. Treads help to direct water between the tire and the road to prevent sliding. While spare tires don’t typically wear at the same rate as the other tires, they will degrade over time. You can check the depth of your tire’s tread by looking for the wear indicator or take the penny test.
Check for Recalls – On occasion tire manufacturers may recall certain tires due to manufacturing errors or other defects. You can check with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to see if your tires have been recalled.
9. Valve Cover Gaskets
If you notice low oil levels or leaks within your engine, it may be coming from the area where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. If oil is present either below the joint where the valve cover meets the cylinder head or just above it, then it’s time to replace the valve cover gasket. Age and miles driven can dry out and crack the valve cover gasket. If the seal is compromised, oil can escape from the inside. The valve cover bolts can also work their way loose, resulting in warping or cracking. Inspect your valve cover gaskets to ensure they are aligned and tightly sealed. This will ensure you aren’t leaking oil from your engine.
10. Cylinder Head Gaskets
To understand the overall health of the components used to seal your engine, you can use a simple material—cardboard. Place an appropriately sized sheet of cardboard under your vehicle’s engine assembly, then let it sit idle for a day or two before removing it. From there you can read the “results” (the stains left on the cardboard) to identify if leaks are present and where they are coming from, including the engine oil, transmission fluid, or coolant. This is especially important for vehicle owners with asphalt driveways, as fluid stains on asphalt can be more difficult to spot.
If you notice oil or coolant leaking on or around your engine head, it could be an indication that your head gasket seal is compromised. You may also see water vapor or white smoke coming from your exhaust. In addition, the age of the head gasket may impact its sealing power. Over time, the gasket can break down and lose integrity.
When replacing a head gasket, it is recommended you work with an automotive professional to ensure that no other vehicle systems are impacted.
11. Oil Pan Gaskets
Replacing a leaky oil pan gasket is the most effective way to ensure your vehicle is running its best and receiving the oil it needs. If you detect oil leaking from your oil pan, you should first check that the drain plug isn’t loose and that the oil filter is properly in place. If the leak is still present, use your vehicle’s service manual or work with an automotive professional to replace the oil pan gasket.
If you notice low oil levels or leaks within your engine, it may be coming from the area where the valve cover meets the cylinder head. If oil is present either below the joint where the valve cover meets the cylinder head or just above it, then it’s time to replace the valve cover gasket. Age and miles driven can dry out and crack the valve cover gasket. If the seal is compromised, oil can escape from the inside. The valve cover bolts can also work their way loose, resulting in warping or cracking. Inspect your valve cover gaskets to ensure they are aligned and tightly sealed. This will ensure you aren’t leaking oil from your engine.
12. Change The Engine Air Filter And/Or The Cabin Air Filter
Engine air filters should be replaced once a year or every 15,000 to 30,000 miles for peak engine performance. The cabin air filter should also be replaced yearly to keep dirt and debris from entering the cabin air where you and your passengers are.
13. Fill Or Top Off Fluids
An important part of making sure everything is running smoothly is to fill or top off fluids. Check all of your automotive fluids and replenish them as needed. Winter forces your engine to work a bit harder, and the resulting condensation and moisture buildup can create wear. If you see a significant drop in fluid levels, it’s important to investigate. The missing fluid is often leaking or otherwise being consumed inside the engine. Keep up with your regular maintenance and if you change the oil on your own, be sure to use the correct formulation based on the vehicle manufacturer.
14. Replace The Windshield Wipers
Cold winter temperatures and road salt are rough on rubber compounds like windshield wipers. Windshield wipers should be replaced yearly, and they might be suffering after a long season of damaging ice. Spring is a good time to inspect and replace your wiper blades, if necessary. Be sure to check that your windshield wiper fluid is replenished, as well!
15. Check The Air Conditioner
One element rarely overused in the winter is the air conditioner. That doesn’t mean its power and function haven’t diminished, though. Check to make sure tepid air isn’t just dribbling out. If the AC is weak, it could mean a loose drive belt, a clogged condenser, or perhaps even a leak — but might be as simple as a lack of refrigerant. Blown AC can be a major, costly repair. But if it’s worth the price, do it before the summer swelter arrives. And while you’re checking the AC, note whether it’s emitting any funky odors. Often they are easily remedied.
16. Get An Oil Change
If it’s time for an oil change, you might as well get it covered while in for the tune-up.
During an oil change, we do more than pour new oil into your engine. We’ll remove your old, gunky oil and replace it with full synthetic oil, synthetic blend, conventional, or high mileage oil depending on your vehicle’s needs.
Regular tune-ups are one of the best ways to save you money long-term and help avoid surprise, costly repairs. Give All About Imports (AAI) a call at 940-566-2125 or email us to schedule a Spring Car Care Checkup today!
