It's an absolutely gorgeous day in May to get out, hit the road, and see the sights, but is your car ready? Winter is hard on you, but it can be just as hard on your vehicle. Road salt can rust your chassis and cold temperatures make your engine work over time. Time to dust off your ride and get it ready for the new road trip season.
Change the Tires
That same deep tread that gives winter tires their outstanding traction on snow will kill your gas mileage on dry pavement. As soon as temperatures go above freezing, it's time to get those snows off. Summer tires will give you the best all-around performance but all-seasons will provide the best middle ground for city dwellers.
When replacing your old tires, check them to make sure they're not worn, cracked, or leaking. If they are, it may be time to bit the bullet and buy a new set.
Wash & Wax
Dirt and salt can do a lot of damage to your vehicle's body. It's abrasive to paint and can cause rust patches to develop. As soon as the weather turns nice, you're probably itching to get your ride cleaned. Hand washing will keep it looking sharp, and does a better job than automatic car washes. A coat of wax will help bead off rain and keep your ride looking showroom fresh.
Don't forget to clean the interior too. All that dirty snow off your boots can leave your car smelling like a wet sock. Hose the salt stains off your floor mats and give the carpets a thorough vacuum. Wipe the dash with a damp rag and give the fabric a light spray with some refresher.
Replace your Wipers
Your wipers work hard in the winter. All that snow and ice can quickly wear them out. Replace them early in the season to ensure superior visibility. You may also want to add a water repellent to your windows and exterior mirrors for even greater performance.
Check your Fluids
Every driver knows they need to change their oil regularly, but when was the last time you checked your vehicle's other fluids?
Automatic transmission and brake fluid should be changed every 50,000 to 100,000 kilometers, or whatever interval is recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. There's a small dipstick for transmission fluid, usually behind the engine. It should be bright pink or red. Brake fluid is usually a clear beige. If either appear dirty, it's probably a good time to get them changed in order to ensure good performance and long life.
Don't forget to check your coolant levels as well. Overheating is a common cause of summertime breakdowns and vehicle fires. Remember to never open your radiator when it's hot, less you want to be blasted with scalding steam.
Replace your dirty air filter
When was the last time you replaced your engine air filter? Dirt can clog it up and reduce engine performance over time. It's a fairly easy job to do yourself on most vehicles, and will ensure long engine life.
Check your vehicle's HVAC
Your car's air conditioning gets a workout during our hot and humid summers. Make sure it's tuned up unless you want to be suck roasting on the 401.
Fire up the AC to make sure that the compressor is running and it's blowing cold air. If it's not, you may need to top up the coolant. While there are home kits available, this is a job that's best left up to the professionals due to the high pressures involved.
Don't forget to check your cabin air filter while you're at it. It's stored behind the glove box on most cars, and is fairly easy to change yourself. There are plenty of tutorials on YouTube. If it's black or wet, it's time to replace it. Otherwise, just shake out the leaves.
Keeping your car well maintained will ensure many happy trips to the cottage this summer.
Photo by Seattle Municipal Archives, via Flickr
