Spring is here, which means it’s time to clear out your car and get it ready for the warmer months! As an auto body shop in Vancouver, we specialize in caring for the outside of vehicles. Everything from panels to painting to glass work – we’re your go-to team! But to keep your vehicle in smooth and running order, it’s important you prioritize the internal with the external.
We’ve put together a list of 5 simple things you can do to ensure your vehicle is in tip-top shape before you hit the road this spring.
Check and change your air filter.
The air filter is an important part of your car’s engine. It keeps dirt and other debris out of the engine, which can cause damage to the vehicle if not cleaned regularly.
To check your air filter, look under the hood and locate it using this diagram:
If you have an old-style paper one, it’s probably time for a new one–and we recommend replacing them every 12 months or so (or sooner if you live in a dusty area). If you don’t have an air filter at all (this is rare), make sure to get one ASAP!
Clean the battery terminals and cables.
If your car has been sitting idle for a while, there may be a buildup of corrosion on the terminals or cables. To clean them, use a wire brush to remove any loose particles and then wipe down with baking soda and water (or baking soda and vinegar).
Next, check that all of your cables are in good condition: look for cracks or fraying parts that could mean an issue with grounding–and make sure they’re not touching each other or anything else they shouldn’t touch! If you find any issues with your cables, it’s best to replace them entirely instead of just fixing them; otherwise, they’ll just keep causing problems down the line.
Check the condition of your brakes, suspension, and steering components.
Before you hit the road, check the condition of your brakes, suspension, and steering components. Your car’s tires should also be checked for signs of wear or damage. If you need new tires, it’s best to have them installed before spring arrives so that they can be used during warmer months. If you were driving on winter tires, now is the time to replace them with all-season tires.
Should repairs need to be made on these components, take care of them now so they don’t become an issue later in the year.
Wash away winter grime with a car wash or detailing service.
A good spring cleaning can be a great way to get your car ready for the season. Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, so why not treat your vehicle as though it were an extension of yourself?
Wash away winter grime with a car wash or detailing service. Washing off the salt and grime from the exterior will help keep the rust away, while also giving you more time between washes during hot summer months when it’s more difficult (and potentially damaging) to clean up after yourself in this way.
Finally, remove salt from the undercarriage with a special degreasing solution that won’t harm paint jobs. This is crucial as salt can eat away at the components and cause severe damage. If you’ve noticed some rust or discolouration, stop by our auto body shop in Vancouver for an evaluation.
Inflate tires to proper PSI.
The first step to preparing your car for spring driving is checking the tire pressure. It’s important to check this before you hit the road because tire pressure can change depending on temperature and other factors.
To check your tires’ PSI (pounds per square inch), use a tire gauge and find out what the recommended PSI is for your vehicle. You can refer back to the owner’s manual for specific recommendations based on your car model and make/model year.
If you don’t have a gauge on hand, don’t worry–there are other ways! You can use pennies instead of an actual gauge: insert one into each tire’s valve stem until it’s snugly seated against it; then remove it slowly while watching how much air flows out of each valve stem (this will help determine how much pressure is left). If all four tires hold air after removing all four pennies from their respective valves, then they’re properly inflated; if not, pump up accordingly until all four hold air again correctly once more.
Come visit our auto body shop in Vancouver!
You don’t need to be an expert mechanic to keep your car in good working order, but seeing a professional certainly helps. This is especially important when dealing with the auto body of your vehicle. While you can top up oil and inflate tires yourself, dent removal, glass repair, panel replacement, and car painting are no DIY feats. Stop by our auto body shop in Vancouver to save yourself time, money, and stress down the road.
