Get Your Car Ready for Spring – Easy Maintenance Guide
Get Your Car Ready for Spring – Easy Maintenance Guide
Posted on May 13, 2025
As the snow melts and temperatures rise, it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle a little extra attention. Spring is not just a fresh start for your home; it’s also a great opportunity to make sure your car has recovered from the harsh Canadian winter. Months of ice, road salt, potholes, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on your vehicle. Giving it a proper check-up now can prevent problems later and help you enjoy worry-free driving all season long. Here at Spelmer Chrysler in Trenton, ON, we care about your car's health just as much as you do. That’s why we’ve put together this simple spring vehicle checklist. Whether you’re driving a car, truck, or SUV, these tips will help you stay safe and keep things running smoothly.
Check Your Battery
Cold winter temperatures can really wear down your battery. You may not notice right away, but once the warmer weather hits, you might start seeing signs like slower starts or dim lights. It’s a smart move to have your battery tested now to avoid getting stuck on the side of the road later. If it’s been more than three years since your last battery replacement, it may be time for a new one.
Inspect Your Tires
Your tires are your car’s only contact with the road so they need to be in good shape. Start by checking the tread depth. If the tread looks worn or uneven your tires may need to be rotated or replaced. Also check the air pressure. Tires tend to lose pressure in the cold and underinflated tires can affect your handling and fuel efficiency. Make sure each tire is filled to the recommended level and don’t forget to check the spare if you have one.
Refresh Your Fluids
Winter driving can be tough on your car’s fluids. Spring is the perfect time to check and top off or replace them. This includes your engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. Clean fresh fluids help your vehicle run better and can extend the life of your engine and other components. For many vehicles oil should be changed every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers depending on your driving habits.
Give Your Car a Thorough Cleaning
Road salt, dirt, and grime can build up on your car over the winter and cause rust or paint damage. Start spring off right by giving your car a good wash, especially the undercarriage where salt tends to collect. After that a coat of wax will help protect your paint through the rainy season. Don’t forget the inside either. Vacuum the carpets, wipe down the dash and seats, and clean out any clutter that might have built up over the winter.
Check Your Lights and Wipers
With the days getting longer it’s easy to forget about your lights, but they’re just as important in spring as they are in winter. Check all headlights, taillights, and brake lights to make sure they’re working properly. If you find a bulb that’s out, replace it as soon as possible. This is also a good time to test your windshield wipers. Ice and snow can wear down wiper blades quickly so if they’re streaking or skipping, swap them out. Clear visibility is a must during those spring showers.
Look at Your Brakes
Winter roads often mean more frequent braking and that extra wear can add up. If you hear grinding, squealing, or feel a vibration when braking it’s time to have your brakes checked. Even if there are no obvious signs, a quick brake inspection during your spring tune-up is a smart move.
Your Spring Driving Starts Here
A little maintenance now can go a long way in keeping your vehicle safe and reliable through the spring and summer. These simple checks are easy to overlook but they make a big difference in performance and safety. If you’re unsure where to start or would rather leave it to the pros we’re here to help. At Spelmer Chrysler in Trenton, ON, our team of experienced technicians can take care of everything on this checklist and more. Give us a call or stop by and let us help you get your vehicle ready for the road ahead.