Spring vehicle maintenance checklist

April is National Car Care Month, and here in Minnesota, we know why!  After a grueling winter of snow, ice, salt and sand, regardless of the age or shape of your car it probably could use some TLC.  

Below is Rob's 5-point spring vehicle maintenance checklist to help you prepare for spring so you can enjoy the wonderful weather and roads. 

1. Get your oil changed.
Getting your vehicle's oil changed at the appropriate intervals is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your car. Motor oil lubricates and cools the engine when driving, and as it does it picks up impurities. When oil becomes too old, it becomes thick and slow, and cannot protect your engine.  Having your oil checked and changed at the beginning of each Minnesota season is a great way to make sure this is always taken care of correctly and on time. 

2. Have your car battery tested.
​Minnesota winters are tough on car batteries, and we guarantee you don't want to find out your battery is dead when you go to start your car and head out for work, school, or a day of fun. Lower temperatures force batteries to work harder, and higher temperatures will use up more essential battery fluids and speed up corrosion.  Leaving a drained battery until the last minute will always result in the same outcome. Your car won't start. 

3. Check tire pressure and tread.

Try to check your tires before you drive your car for the day. You may need to adjust the pressure accordingly. Be sure to know what the recommended tire pressure is in your vehicle manual, and ensure all four tires have approximately the same pressure. It's important to check your tire pressure between seasons because the temperature can cause fluctuations in tire pressure.  Be sure to start your season off on the right tread by completing this simple check at home, your local gas station or at our shop. Spring is also a good time to check on your tire tread, because Minnesota roads wear on tire treads more than many other locations in the U.S.  Google the tire penny test - it's a great way to quickly and easily see the condition of your tires. 

This is the perfect moment to check tire tread depth, too. Without sufficient tread, your tires can’t grip the road as they were designed to do. This could compromise your car’s handling in wet weather and your ability to come to a quick stop. Thankfully, you only need one thing to check tread depth (and it’s not fancy). Grab a penny and perform the penny test!

4. Check / replace your wiper blades and wiper fluid.

Springtime is ALWAYS a good time to replace windshield wiper blades and fluid when you live in Minnesota. Ice, snow, sleet and rain take a toll on wipers in the winter, and so a fresh set will make driving in springtime rain much safer (and clearer). New wipers and topped off fluid will also help you while driving in bug season, and we all know what that is like during the Minnesota summers.

5. Check your exterior lights and replace as necessary.

The winter months make our vehicles dirty, and it does the same to our vehicles. Unfortunately, car washes don't always reach the dust and grime on exterior car lights, so go ahead... give them a good scrubbing and polish while you're at it.  Don't forget your tail lights! 

We hope this list helps you get your car ready for springtime driving and ensures you're ready to cruise on in to summer. Whether you'll be driving across our great state for summer fun or across the US, having your car in top top shape will make your spring and summer driving that much better! 

Remember, our spring seasonal savings discount is available April - June, so don't forget to use it when you come in. You'll save $25 on any service at Precision Auto Repair. If you don't have a card, just ask!