maintenance inspections

Spring is a great time to get outside, go for a walk, or even plan that family road trip. But before you get too far, you may want to consider taking your car in for a spring maintenance inspection. Our Minnesota winters can be extremely harsh on our cars. The last thing anyone wants is a breakdown in the middle of that planned excursion with the family. If you don’t know what needs checking to ensure safe driving this spring, read this! We’ve got you covered with 6 maintenance inspections you should have before hitting the road.

Tires

Winter is typically not kind to your tires, which is why inspecting your tires before you hit the road is a good idea. For starters, inspect your tires for wear and tear. If they are left unattended these issues can create a driving hazard. Next, check your rims for dents and damage – another safety hazard while driving. One last inspection? Take your car in and have your tires rotated and balanced to ensure a longer lifespan.

Suspension

Bumpy and rough roads lead to misaligned suspension systems. Ask your auto mechanic to inspect your struts and shocks. Some signs that your suspension is off include continued bouncing after hitting bumps, pulling to one side after turning corners. Also notice unusually bumpy rides, and one side of a parked car sitting lower than the other side. If you notice any of these signs, or if it’s been awhile since you last had your suspension system looked at, it’s a good idea to get this done this spring.

Alignment

Our winter weather can also create problems for your alignment. Signs that your alignment is off include uneven or rapid tire wear, noisy steering, a crooked steering wheel while driving straight, and squealing tires. Whether or not you experience these issues while you drive, it’s a good idea to have your alignment inspected each spring.

Belts & Hoses

Our bitterly cold temperatures can be harmful to your belts and hoses. Belts and hoses can form cracks and tears which lead to broken belts and breakdowns on the side of the road.  Save yourself the headache of waiting for that tow, and ask your mechanic to inspect those belts & hoses for wear, tears, and cracks.

Air quality and Maintenance Inspections

After a long winter of a closed up car, it’s always a good idea to have your indoor air quality inspected. One way you can do this is by replacing your cabin air filter. If your car was made in 2000 or after, your car has a cabin air filter which helps keep pollen, mold, and pollutants out of the interior of your car. Along with your cabin air filter, it’s always a good idea to have your mechanic perform an AC output test. With the heat of summer coming around the corner, you’ll want to ensure that your AC is ready to keep you cool as you drive.

Headlights, Taillights, & Turn Signals

Winter snow, and salt can be harmful to your lights. Spring is the time to inspect your headlights, and taillights for a yellow haze that can form from too much salt and snow. Leaving this haze can be a nighttime driving hazard so you’ll want to get these changed out as soon as possible. While you’re inspecting those lights, you’ll also want to inspect for burnout bulbs and have them changed out.  Keeping these lights up-to-date will go a long way in ensuring a safer drive this spring and summer.

When you’re ready to hit the road this spring and summer, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is well-maintained and safe to drive. These 6 maintenance inspections will ensure a smoother ride all year long. And if you’re ready to get these inspections taken care of, we’re ready to help. Simply call to make an appointment today.