As the weather changes, you’re probably thinking about taking at least a few trips this spring and into early summer. Going on holiday is fun, especially when road conditions improve. But when’s the last time you looked at your car? Making sure that everything is in order long before your next trip means that you will lower the risk of accident or costly maintenance. Good maintenance means regular and routine study of your car. Not sure what to look for? We pulled together five tips for spring car maintenance below.
Brakes
We think that brakes are incredibly important, and you probably do as well. How are your brakes working? If you find that it’s taking longer and longer to fully stop your vehicle, you may have some underlying braking issues that need to be looked at. Or it might be something as simple as getting new brake pad, or having the rotors turned. These are simple fixes that can protect your braking system. Make sure that you also check your brake fluid, as a dry reservoir can keep you stuck at home instead of on the road. Keeping some brake fluid in the boot will help you stay on the road as well.
Fluids
Looking at your fluids should be done every single time that you fill up at the petrol station. Set a reminder on your phone for at least twice a week if that helps you, but make sure that make it a habit. Low fluids can lead to system issues that make it unsafe to operate the car at all. If you go to a mechanic for an oil change, they will also look at your fluids. But with stations becoming busier than ever, th3ese little tasks can fall by the wayside. It is still your responsibility to look at all of these things, even if you are having someone else handle the job.
Oil
Oil is critical to how well your vehicle runs. Make sure that you get the oil changed by the manufacturer’s schedule. If that means that you get it done every three months, then so be it. Some vehicles have a longer period between oil changes, but they will require much higher quality oil. Don’t ignore this, as dirty oil drags down your entire system and can even lead to engine issues over time.
Tyres
Good tyres mean that you’re able to drive around safety. Tyres that are underinflated are dangerous, just like if they were overinflated. Keeping your tyres at the pressure recommended by your car manufacturer is important. Tire gauges are also cheap, and there are even electronic gauges that provide a higher level of accuracy. Once the tread on your tyres starts to wear out, it’s time to think about replacing them. Do some research and you’ll find plenty of tire shops with great deals on tyres. We don’t recommend used tyres because they could have other issues that you don’t know about, causing you to break down on the side of the road.
Emergency Kit
So, we had a little fun with this one. While it’s not considered part of regular maintenance, it’s still incredibly important. Just because the weather improves doesn’t mean that being stranded would be any more pleasant. Also, weather conditions can change in a flash. This means that having a good emergency kit can be lifesaving and critical. Be sure that you have a first aid kit, safe water to drink, some snacks, blankets, a jacket, reflective signs, and a flashlight. Depending on where you usually drive, you may want to add some items to that list. For example, if you travel long distances and rely on your cell phone, having a backup charger is definitely a must. Most cars have charging ports now, but having a backup is still never a bad idea. Roadside assistance programs are also important, as you can have someone tow your vehicle.
We thought these maintenance tips are important enough to share, as we want you to enjoy the warmer weather to the fullest. Traveling helps us clear our mind and truly enjoy the trip ahead, and it’s important to make time for it if this is something that’s very important to you. Simple maintenance can help you lower your costs when it comes to owning your car, so don’t ignore it or wait till the last minute.