How to get your Vehicle Ready for Spring

Tips for preparing your vehicle for spring driving

It may not seem like April given the recent weather, but springtime is officially upon us, which means you’ll need to prepare your vehicle accordingly. While winter is often considered the most dangerous time to be on the road, spring driving can be just as hazardous, especially when it’s wet and/or foggy outside. Therefore, it’s important to keep your vehicle in the best shape possible.
Here are some tips for getting your car ready for the next few months:
Switch your tires
If your vehicle is equipped with winter tires, you’ll need to switch them in the coming weeks for a set of all-season or summer ones. A general rule of thumb is to wait until the temperature has reached double-digits for at least a week’s time. While it’s natural to worry about the temperature dipping immediately after, all-season tires should be able to handle any quick dip in temperature.
If you’re replacing your tires with your previously used set, make sure to inspect the tread for any wear and tear.

Replace your wiper blades
Everyone knows that April showers bring May flowers, so it’s important that you prepare for the rainy weeks ahead. If you want to ensure you stay as safe as possible when it’s pouring outside, it’s vital that your windshield wipers are in top form.
Wash your undercarriage
If you’ve driven a fair amount this winter, there’s a good chance that a significant amount of salt and sand has accumulated underneath your vehicle over the past several months. In order to avoid erosion, you should have your car’s undercarriage washed by a professional in the coming weeks. You could try to wash it yourself, but you’ll likely have a hard time getting rid of all the grime that has been stuck there for months. Rust is a serious problem in Canada, which is why it’s crucial that you remove any salt as soon as possible.
Clean the interior
If the outside of your car is covered in salt, there’s a good chance the inside is covered too. Use a steam cleaner or rug-cleaning spray to remove all the salt and sand from the interior. If you’ve accumulated a lot of junk and garbage over the last few months, this is a good opportunity to get rid of that as well.
Check your fluids
After a long and cold winter, you’d be wise to take a trip to the mechanic to have your fluids topped off – especially your windshield wiper fluid. While you’re at it, it’s not a bad idea to have your oil changed too.