How to Get Your Vehicle Ready For Warm Weather Driving

Mar 15
11:16

2011

Liane K. Rhodes

Liane K. Rhodes

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

The initial warm weekend of the season traditionally triggers a symphony of cleaning items, vacuums and garden hoses. But although you can be rushed to put a shine on your motor vehicle, it is equally critical to ensure it is ready for the warm weather internally as well as the outer layer.

mediaimage
The initial warm weekend of the season traditionally triggers a symphony of cleaning items,How to Get Your Vehicle Ready For Warm Weather Driving Articles vacuums and garden hoses. But while you might be in haste to put a shine on your vehicle, it is equally crucial to ensure it is ready for the warm weather on the inside also as the exterior.

The most critical areas to check after the harsh winter are engine fluids, radiator hoses, belts, tires and brakes, says Pat Goss, host of PBS' MotorWeek and Washington Post automotive columnist. Adequately preparing these key areas of the vehicle before the weather warms up won't only maintain you safe although driving, they'll assist prevent costly repairs.

After battling months of snow, sleet and icy roads, your motor vehicle is undoubtedly in need of some serious care. To make your spring trouble-free, follow this 10-point checklist for security, dependability and fuel economy.

1. Remove your winter tires and rotate all-season radials-If you've got winter tires, it is time to store them away. In case you do not have winter tires, it is equally crucial to have all-season tires rotated or switched out for new ones.

2. Brake check-After a blistering winter, be positive to look at your brakes. Warning signs contain abnormal grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter.

three. Wiper blades check-Wipers work difficult over the wintertime months, wiping away dirt and debris on your windshield. Replace them within the spring prior to a shower makes it hard to see.

4. Clean the underbody-Additionally washing the exterior, be positive to spray the underbody of your motor vehicle and underneath the rear and front bumpers to rinse away any salt congregating, which can lead to erosion and rusting. Utilize a high-pressure sprayer or garden hose for finest consequences.

5. Apply a protectant-Any vinyl surface, like the seats along with the steering wheel, is susceptible to cracking, sun damage, and fading-so be certain to put on a protectant at the beginning of the season and touch-up regularly.

6. Change your oil-Give some thought to the kind of fuel you've got inside your engine. Fully synthetic oils, including Mobil 1, are specifically designed to look after your engine in hot weather, although optimizing your engine's efficiency and reducing oil ingestion. (For more information about Mobil 1, go to www.mobiloil.com.)

7. Check all fluids-In the wintertime months, fluids are simply depleted as your engine works harder in the colder weather. Make sure to check, top off or replace all fluids, such as brake, transmission, coolant, power steering and windshield washer fluid.

8. Pressure test-Assess the pressure of the cooling system, and examine belts and hoses for wear or weakening.

9. Interior clean-up-Vacuum and be positive to throw out any unwanted garbage that has hibernated below your seats over the winter. Now is also the time to outlet your winter car mats in the garage.

10. Wash your car-All vehicles despite the finish (clear coat, acrylic, enamel, etc.) need regular washing all through the year. To preserve your car's shine and look after the surface, wax your vehicle as soon as it as dried totally.

The warm conditions are here-so be sure to follow these basic tips to ensure vehicle dependability in the warm months ahead, says Goss. By taking care of your vehicle, it'll much more likely look after you. And it will do it for a negotiate less dollars.