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spring cleaning your vehicle

The battle with rain, snow, sleet and ice is over. But your vehicle may still bear the scars. Give it some tender, loving care and get your wheels in shape for the sunny days ahead.

• Remove and store your winter tires or rotate all-season radials. Driving in the winter weather can be hard on tires. Rotating tires extends their life. Plus, tire rotation means better braking and handling especially on wet spring roads.

• Check your wiper blades. Replace them after the hard winter of wiping away road dirt, salt and sand and be better prepared for spring showers.

• Check your brakes. Be aware of brake noises like grinding, squealing and screeching.

• Change your oil. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type for your car. If you used a thinner oil like 5W30 for winter driving, it’s time to change back to 10W30 for the warmer weather.

• Check your fluids. Winter weather depletes fluids because the engine has to work harder in colder weather. Time to top ‘em off.

• Wash up! Prolong the life and performance of your car by washing it throughout the year, but especially in springtime. Further protect the surface, regardless of the finish, with good wax. Clean up your underbody. Your first wash of spring should include a good spray to your vehicle’s underbody, plus a wash under the front and rear bumpers. Clean up the inside too. Vacuum and throw away all that garbage! Then apply a protective coating to all vinyl surfaces (dashboard, seats, steering wheel) that are especially vulnerable to sun damage and fading.