5 Vehicle Spring Maintenance Tips in Sarnia, ON
Spring is finally here in Sarnia and we know winter hasn’t been easy, not just on you, but on your car too. After months of cold temperatures, your vehicle has been through a lot, from potholes to road salt to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Before that check engine light decides to make an appearance, now is the perfect time to undo winter’s damage and get your car ready for spring driving. Continue reading with our team at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram as we’ve put together a spring maintenance checklist covering your battery, tires, filters, fluids, as well as a car wash.
[Visit Our Service Department] [ Book a Service Appointment] [Contact Us]
Read More:
Winter Tips For Windshield Wipers
Winter Tires: When to Make the Switch
Recommended Winter Service in Sarnia, ON
Spring Car Maintenance Checklist From Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
1. Wash Your Car
First thing first, wash your car! After a long winter, your car has likely picked up a layer of salt or road grime that can damage the paint and undercarriage if left unchecked. If you’d rather leave it to the pros, every service visit at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram includes a general wash, and we also offer optional detailing services for a deeper clean.
2. Inspect Battery
Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside, which reduces your battery’s ability to hold a full charge. For spring, it’s smart to give your battery a quick check by looking for corrosion on the terminals as well as making sure the connections are tight. Then, test the voltage. A fully charged healthy battery should read around 12.6 to 12.8 volts when the engine is off. If it drops below 12 volts, it could be a sign that it is time for a replacement soon. If you’re not comfortable checking it yourself, our team at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can perform a full battery test with the honest recommendations on whether you’re good to go or need a new battery.
3. Check Air & Cabin Filters
Another maintenance service on your to-do list should be checking both your engine air filter and cabin air filter. In spring, more allergens and other airborne particles can sneak into your vehicle through the ventilation system, which makes them more likely to become clogged. If you are unsure how to check them, our team at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram can inspect both filters and let you know if they are still in good condition or ready for a change. Of course, we only use genuine OEM parts.
4. Swap Out Winter Tires
If you use winter tires, now it’s time to swap back to your all-season tires. Once temperatures consistently rise above 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires start to lose their effectiveness, which can reduce traction on dry roads. In contrast, all-season tires provide more comfortable handling on dry and wet pavement during the warmer months. Also, do not just toss your winter tires in the garage because improper storage can cause them cracking. At Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we can store your tires in a climate-controlled garage and remind you when it’s time to reinstall them next season.
5. Check & Top Up Fluids
Spring is a great time to make sure all your vehicle’s fluids are at the proper levels. Start with a visual check of fluid levels and colour if you feel comfortable doing it yourself. Look for dark or murky fluids, which can signal it’s time for a change. Also, make sure the windshield washer reservoir is full so you can easily wash away spring pollen, dust, and road grime. If you notice any leaks, even small ones, we highly recommend booking a diagnostic with our service team at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram as soon as possible. These fluids include:
- Engine Oil
- Coolant
- Brake Fluid
- Transmission Fluid
- Windshield Washer
Book Your Spring Maintenance at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
Spring is the perfect time to give your car some love, but not all maintenance is fun to do yourself. Why not just bring your keys and relax in our comfortable lounge at Bayview Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram? Besides our professional expertise, every service visit includes a free inspection of other key components, along with a detailed report showing what needs attention now and what you can plan for later. That way, nothing takes you by surprise. View our service specials to save your cost and book your spring maintenance by giving us a call at 855-909-2931, stopping by our dealership at 255 Indian Rd S in Sarnia, ON, or using our online scheduler to lock you in, today!