Here in Ponderay, it can seem like winter is never going to end. With the short days and cold temperatures, even lifelong residents start to crave some warmth and sunshine. Fortunately, winter has made its way out and the temperatures have started to rise. Along with the opportunity to get outside more frequently, that also means that you should think about some basic automotive maintenance points. Your vehicle may have worked hard to get through the winter season, and it is now time to make sure it's ready for the fast-approaching summer.
In this post, we are going to highlight some basic spring time automotive maintenance keys. If you are unsure about the specific work which should be performed on your vehicle, feel free to contact Taylor & Sons Chevy right away. Our friendly team will be happy to speak with you regarding the needs of your car or truck. We have an experienced group of technicians on-site, and we'll be glad to provide your vehicle with the care it deserves.
New Wiper Blades
This is an easy one, and you can probably handle the job yourself (though we'll be happy to do it for you, if you wish). Your wiper blades likely took a beating during the long winter, and they should be replaced to make sure they are ready to perform when the rains come down. Winter is particularly hard on wiper blades because of what the cold temperatures can do to the blade, and what will happen when they scurry across an icy windshield. Since wiper blades are such an affordable item, this is an easy maintenance point to kick off your spring automotive work.
Get an Oil Change
Another point which might fall into the category of 'obvious', but it needs to be highlighted anyway. As winter fades away, there is a good chance that you are about due for an oil and oil filter change. This is work we can complete at Taylor & Sons Chevy, along with any other maintenance you need to have performed. Not only should you make sure to stick with your recommended schedule for oil changes, but you should also understand that winter can be hard on your engine. Starting fresh with new oil and a new oil filter as temperatures warm up is a good idea. Again here, we find a maintenance point which is not particularly expensive, but which can have a bit impact.
Check on the Condition of Your Tires
It should be no surprise that winter can be tough on your tires. The cold weather doesn't do any favors to the rubber, and you may hit a pothole or two that you can't avoid as readily as you do in the summer. In the end, you may be left with tires that aren't looking as good as you would like - especially if they were already a little rough before winter began. Now is a great time to think about replacing your tires so you can get the new set off to a great start in the relatively calm spring and summer seasons. Of course, if you have a set of winter tires for your vehicle, spring is the time to switch those out for your summer tires. As your only point of contact with the road, it is extremely important to monitor the condition of your tires and have them replaced when the time is right. If you aren't sure how your tires are doing at the moment, feel free to bring your vehicle in to Taylor & Sons Chevy for assistance. We can check on the status of your tires and recommend options if they do need to be replaced.
Did Your Windshield Survive?
Winter is generally harder on your vehicle all the way around, and that even includes your windshield. If you took a couple of rock chips during the course of the winter, the time is right to have those chips repaired - or the windshield replaced, if necessary. A damaged windshield is not going to perform as well as an intact one in terms of safety, so it's always wise to have the windshield replaced sooner rather than later. It is easy to overlook the importance of a chip or crack, especially if it isn't directly in your field of vision, but the smart move is to address this right away.
How's Your Battery?
One last point to think about as spring comes into full bloom is the condition of your battery. The cold weather can take a toll here as well, meaning you might not be getting as much out of your battery as you were before winter set it. A weak battery could leave you stuck in a parking lot, unable to get your vehicle restarted. By having your battery tested, you can see exactly how much power it is producing, and you'll be able to tell whether or not it is due for replacement. The team here at Taylor & Sons Chevy would be glad to do this testing, and we can interpret the results for you. If the battery is at the end of its useful life, we can help you find a suitable replacement for a fair price.
Thank you for taking the time to visit the blog for Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. We love doing business here in Ponderay, even if that does mean having to live through the long, cold winters. Now that the cold weather has moved on, it's time to make sure your vehicle is ready for the busy seasons ahead. Our technicians are ready to perform all of the work your car or truck needs to keep up with your lifestyle here in Ponderay and surrounding areas. To make an appointment or to learn more about our services, please give us a call or stop by during business hours. We look forward to serving you soon!