Snow and ice affected many parts of our country this year. As March finally arrives, sunshine and warmer weather is no longer a distant memory. With the temperature rising, we’re sure you’re beginning to think about trips, vacations, even extended stays out of state. As you prepare for these long trips, you need to be sure your car is properly maintained.

Harsh winter weather is a friend to no one, including your vehicle. Spring is the perfect time to perform a maintenance check before hitting the road, even on a short trip.

We’ve compiled a few tips to ensure your car is running in the best possible condition all season long:

1. Wash your vehicle. As we stated, most of our country saw extreme winter weather this year, and to combat the snow and ice, salt is used as a way to melt snow and ice to make the roads safer to travel on. Yes, salt is crucial for safe driving during the winter months, however, it can cause some damage to vehicles, over time. A common result of salt being left on vehicles is rust. Making sure you’re properly washing the exterior of the vehicle to remove all dirt and apply wax is the best way to combat any rusting.
2. Check your tire pressure. The colder winter weather may cause the pressure of your tires to decrease, which results in underinflated tires. Underinflated tires can also increase the risk of untimely wear and can result in a flat tire. Be sure to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure for all tires.
3. Check the windshield for cracks. Cracks tend to expand during cold winter months. Be sure to check on these cracks during the winter. Any growth in cracks can hinder your view during vehicle operation. These cracks may need to be fixed by a professional.
4. Check the battery. Cold winter weather can, believe it or not, have an affect on the battery of your vehicle. You can get the battery tested by a car service professional to make sure that you are not left stranded. If your car’s battery is three to five years old, it is probably time to think about replacing it.
5. Check fluid levels. Be sure to check all of the fluids in your vehicle including windshield washer, power steering, brake, and transmission fluids, along with coolant. Be sure that all of these fluids are filled to the appropriate levels. These fluids are all necessary for the longevity of the car. Changing the oil and filter at regular intervals is a very important part of car maintenance. This is most neglected car maintenance tasks, but with proper maintenance, engine oil keeps the entire system running as it should.

Once you’ve properly maintained your vehicle, you’re ready for your trip. To ship your vehicle to your destination for a hassle-free trip, contact us for your free, no obligation quote.