With winter in our rear view and summer fast approaching, now is the time to begin prepping your vehicle for warmer weather. Luckily, April is National Car Care Month. Take some time this month to perform, or have performed, some of the basic routine maintenance outlined below. Doing so will ensure you’ll be riding smooth for the rest of the year.
National Car Care Month Tips
Get an oil change
There’s a reason so many auto blogs stress getting regular oil changes: They’re fast, simple, and vital to maintaining good vehicular health. Without proper lubrication, your engine’s parts will begin to grind up against each other. This causes them to break down over time and increases risk of engine failure.
If you’re unsure whether or not you need an oil change, just remember that a good rule of thumb is to get one every three months or so.
Check your battery
With its frigid weather, winter can take a toll on our battery’s ability to readily generate power. What most don’t know is that summer’s heat can have an equally damaging impact. Make sure your battery is prepared for summer weather by ensuring it’s securely mounted to minimize vibrations, while also cleaning any corrosive substances that may have built up over the winter.
Also, remember that batteries generally need replacing every three to six years.
Replace all necessary fluids
Seasonal weather changes can reduce the overall levels of critical fluids in your car, including transmission fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Make sure that all of your vehicles’ fluids are topped off before warm weather is here to stay. This is especially important when it comes to coolant. According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence, the greatest cause for breakdowns in the summer is overheating.
Check your tires
Driving on underinflated tires increases the risk of them overheating and blowing out. Make sure to check your tire pressure on a monthly basis, as they lose about one pound of pressure per month. Additionally, check their treads by using the penny test to ensure you’re not in need of new ones.
Schedule Service in Madison, WI
The best way to get your car ready for warm weather is to get it professionally serviced by trained professionals — like the ones here at Zimbrick European in Madison, Wisconsin. Schedule an appointment with a member of our service team today.
Connect with us
