Five spring car maintenance tips to keep in mind
1. Remove leftover salt - Salt, used on roads to melt ice and snow, can cause serious damage to cars, especially their undercarriages where metal can rust. Take your car to a highly rated car wash to eliminate salt, and check that the business has sprayers that clean the undercarriage.
2. Check alignment and suspension - Driving over potholes can damage your car’s alignment and suspension. You might have a problem if you notice that the car pulls to one side or the steering wheel vibrates as you drive. An alignment check typically costs $25 to $40.
3. Change oil and check fluids - Mechanics say spring is a good time to check your car's fluid levels. Waiting too long to change your fluids can lead to a costly repair. (Photo by Eldon Lindsay) Mechanics recommend changing your car’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Don’t forget to check window washing fluid levels, as well as your brake and cooling system fluids.
4. Rotate tires and check air pressure - Mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles to keep tread wear even.
5. Inspect brakes - Nothing, perhaps, is more important than having brakes that function properly. Have a technician check the pads and rotors to ensure there are no safety issues. Neglecting them can lead to a costlier repair down the line.
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