How to get your car ready for spring

The mammoth potholes, return of motorcycles and cars driving by with their windows rolled down are proof spring has arrived. Besides getting your snow tires swapped for the summer variety, here’s what needs to be done to get your vehicle ready for the warmer climes.

CLEANING
Time to chisel off a few layers of winter salt from both the outside and inside of the car. Floor mats are easy enough to bring back to life with a generous hosing from a self-serve car wash pressure wand, but what about the floor carpet? Don’t apply any water directly to your vehicle’s flooring. There tends to be a lot of sensitive body electronics and wiring under the carpet that don’t do well in water. Some car makers even put on-board computers under seats and floor panels. A lot of elbow grease, a stiff nylon brush, and a vacuum should get rid of most salt stains (don’t blindly poke the vacuum nozzle under seats; some wiring is on top of the carpet). For those really stubborn spots, try a brief shot with a home steamer wand. If the flooring is soaked through, remove one of the front door plastic scuff plates that hold the carpet down at the door opening. Then gently lift the carpet high enough to lay newspaper under the wettest area (be careful not to disturb any wiring or electronics you might find). Change the newspaper daily until dry.

When cleaning the trunk, remove the spare tire and clean and dry out its storage well.

If your windows need cleaning, remember to use only a household glass cleaner or some warm water with a good splash of vinegar. Use paper towels or newspaper, especially on the rear window, to avoid damaging the defroster grid lines.

SERVICING
Winter’s slush and salt take their toll on many moving components on any vehicle. Disc brake mechanisms are some of the most critical parts affected. If your auto’s brakes haven’t been checked in a year, now is the perfect time. Have your tech ensure that the brake caliper sliders are moving freely and are well lubricated. If these stick or seize, they can cause a hard brake pedal and accelerated lining wear.

Frost-heaved roads and the odd curb hit can loosen up important steering and suspension parts such as ball joints and tie rod ends. Have these systems checked too. Listen for any unusual or new clunks or noises when going over bumps or around corners. Do your own shock absorber test: Push down on each corner of your vehicle and when you release your weight, the car should stop bouncing after one or two rebounds of the suspension. Any more and you may have a leaking shock or strut.

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There’s no real need to change most vehicle fluids or oils just because it’s spring (follow your owner’s manual schedule by mileage and time). But if you haven’t had the brake fluid changed in the last two years or so, now is the time to have it done. It removes the water content caused by cold weather condensation, thus protecting hydraulic parts from rust.

Brian Turner is an automotive and parts service manager with more than 30 years experience.

Photograph by: Don Healy / Leader-Post, Leader-Post