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ARE YOU AND YOUR CAR READY FOR SPRING?

Winter is ending and you can finally start to enjoy spring and warmer weather, but you aren't the only one; your vehicle should be prepared to enjoy the spring weather as well. To ensure proper functionality and safety, the professionals at Larkin Cobb Chevrolet GMC have some tips to help prepare your vehicle for spring:

Wash Your Vehicle: Make sure when selecting a car wash you choose one that washes the vehicle's exterior as well as the undercarriage.
TIP: Save yourself from future interior cleaning by purchasing a set of WeatherTech floor mats.
Detail the Inside of Your Vehicle: Although it may seem dry, the floor may be saturated with water, snow, salt, and anything else your shoes tracked in over the winter. Also treat the dashboards and vinyl or leather to prevent cracking.
Check Alignment and Suspension: Winter roads can be harsh on your vehicle. If you frequently traverse roads with huge potholes or rocks emerging from the asphalt, your car’s alignment or suspension components might suffer. When visiting your mechanic, ask for a quick suspension and alignment check.
TIP: A sure sign you need an alignment is if your steering wheel isn't centered or the car doesn't track straight. Additionally, shocks or struts may need attention if the ride feels loose or overly soft.
Inspect, Rotate and Align Your Tires: Winter driving is hard on your tires. Rotating and aligning them ensures safer wear and maximizes tire life. Monitor tire tread and check the spare in case you need it.
TIP: If you were using winter tires, remove them altogether and replace them with all-season or summer tires.
Set Tire Pressure: Temperature changes can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. Now that the cold is leaving and temperatures are rising, check your tires and adjust them to the recommended pressure.
TIP: Set it to the pressure indicated in the door jamb, not the sidewall. This improves fuel mileage and extends tire life.
Check Your Windshield Wipers: Winter can degrade windshield wipers with ice and snow. It’s best to change them with the seasons, especially as the rainy season approaches. Experts recommend changing the blades every six months to a year. New wipers improve visibility and reduce accident risks.

Check Your Battery: Because your vehicle works extra hard during winter, the battery can drain more easily. We can help test your battery and replace it if needed.
Check Your Filters: Spring brings pollen and allergens. Replace the cabin air filter (usually recommended every 30,000 miles) to keep the air inside your vehicle clean. Also, inspect the engine air filter for dirt or clogs which might signal larger engine issues.
Check and Fill Fluids: Top off all your vehicle’s fluids, especially windshield wiper fluid which depletes quickly in winter.
TIP: Purchase a wiper fluid with RainX to keep your window clean. Ensure engine oil, brake fluid, and power steering (if applicable) are at proper levels. Also, check your coolant to avoid overheating as temperatures climb.
Check Under Your Hood: Inspect belts and hoses to ensure they haven’t become brittle or cracked from the cold. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, let us help—it's better to be safe than to have hidden issues emerge in spring.
Check Your Lights: Don’t forget headlights, taillights, blinkers, backup lights, and even the license plate light. Proper lighting not only ensures visibility but also enhances your safety on the road.
Check Brakes and Replace Pads If Necessary: Winter conditions can wear down brake pads quickly. Have them checked to ensure your vehicle stops safely.

If you are someone who likes road trips, here are a few items you should always keep in your car:

Cloth or roll of paper towels
Jumper cables and/or a car battery charger
Warning devices (flares or triangles)
Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
Flashlight with extra batteries
Window washer solvent
Blankets
Mobile phone with rescue apps and important contacts (family, emergency services, insurance provider, preferred towing company)
Drinking water

First-aid kit (including gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and instant cold compress)
Non-perishable snacks (e.g., unsalted nuts, dried fruits, jerky, hard candy)
Compass
Reflective vest (in case you need to walk for help)
Car charger for your cell phone
Fire extinguisher
Duct tape
Rain poncho

Larkin Cobb Chevrolet GMC SPRING SERVICE

Let us help you mark off your car or truck spring maintenance checklist. You can ensure your car is ready for spring by calling Larkin Cobb Chevrolet GMC and scheduling a time for your spring prep service. Contact us or come see us today at Larkin Cobb Chevrolet GMC.