Winter’s challenging weather often means that then is a time when car owners spend far less time behind the wheel. If you want to protect your car especially from cold, snow, ice and even sun, or you have to store it for several months, you may even take extra precautions: donning custom car covers, draining fluids and other protective measures. As a consequence, you need to run down a maintenance preparation checklist; here are the steps to take before putting too many miles on the odometer.
Do You Have Proper Car Storage?
Both summer and winter can cause wear on your car, even as it sits idle. You need to prevent nature’s elements from harming the car’s body, chassis and drivetrain systems before summer’s heat takes its own toll on your car. Ideally, you have all-day and all-night access to a garage or other covered enclosure. If not, and even then, consider purchasing a car storage bag or capsule to create a secure bubble over your vehicle. Using a cover will keep bird droppings, dirt, dust and sun from eating into the car’s paint and make it easier to perform other maintenance tasks.
Are You Ready for the Sun?
When cars are driven from garages or their custom car covers are removed, their interior materials can fade and crack over time because the windshield acts as a magnifying glass, focusing and intensifying the sun’s rays. You can stop this effect by using a custom fit sunshade to block the rays every time you park the car outdoors. As a bonus, the car’s interior will remain cooler than one in an unprotected car, increasing your comfort when you first jump in again after completing your errands.
Replace Your Wiper Blades
Because rubber deteriorates over time, experts recommend you change your windshield wiper blades and holders at least twice a year. Winter’s cold makes the rubber also less pliable so spring is a critical time to check this item off your maintenance list.
Check Your Fluids
When was the last time you changed your oil and antifreeze? Your owner’s manual will provide guidelines as to whether or not you are following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Evens then, you should check all the following fluid levels to make certain they are correct:
- Radiator
- Oil
- Brake
- Power steering
Your manual will give you further guidance in locating each fluid holder and how to determine the correct fill.
Check Your Tires
As the points of contact between the road and your car, your tires are critical to safe driving. Tires perform best when properly inflated. Check their air pressure before they have heated up from driving. You may need to adjust the pressure to account for changes in ambient temperatures; spring should just be one of many times throughout the year you gauge your tires’ air pressure.
Wash and Wax
Finally, give your cars a good cleaning, even if you use custom car covers. Dust will scratch the paint, and any spots that have formed can be difficult to remove.
When summer beckons, so do the open roads. By locking into a minimal maintenance routine every spring, you can hit that road with confidence that your car will get you to your destinations and home faithfully.
