Our car’s service and efficiency are always subjected to the changes of natural, external factors. One of the most prevalent motivations for car checking is the threat of season changes. Cars directly experience the uncertainties and road offshoots of changing weather conditions.
Every car owner must conscientiously prepare their cars to all road adjustments brought about by a change in weather. There is no one car maintenance that fits all and one way of showing your care to your car is refurbishing it to a vehicle that fits the season and all seasons crucially affect car performance. The goal really is to have a car that could run miles smoothly for all seasons.
What then are the car parts that need to be replaced or adjusted when seasons change? Of course, it is best to always start with the basics: Tires, Batteries, Fluids, Brakes and Blades.
- Tires. Whatever the season is, you really have to attend to your tires. Car tires are really the ones directly exposed to a change in season having to traverse hot, slippery, or snowy roads. Make sure that tire pressures are high on grip during spring and winter. In cases of heavy snow in winters, check your tire’s tread depth. If you think your tire pressure does not have a tight grip on slick roads especially during spring and winter, it might be best to replace it with special tires made for slippery road. You also have to take note that summers are equally crucial because the heat wears off tire pressure. If you detect bubbles or worn out tire treads as well as drying or cracked areas in your tires during the summer, have it replaced immediately.
- Batteries. The penetrating cold during winter and the early kick of spring is hard on car batteries. Car batteries work harder during the cold weather so have the battery charging checked for good car performance even in the winter. On the early setting in of spring, experts say that car batteries crank up to 60% and generally weaken after the hard cold. It is advised to test and replace weak car batteries immediately to avoid getting towed on the road. Too much heat on the other hand, easily drains battery life and it could also produce moist and corrosion on the battery. Have your batteries tested in an auto repair shop especially if your batts are already three years old.
- Fluids. Regardless of the season, fluids are essential components of car efficiency that needs constant monitoring. For a driver to know adjustment levels on fluid maintenance, he must know that since cold seasons are hard on engines, fluid levels easily depletes. Thus, he must increase his contingency supply of fluids. Same is true during the summer season but more specifically on the coolant. To avoid engine overheating during the summer, this must be well considered.
- Brakes. Before taking the road on the summer, have your brakes and rotors checked first. Remember, excessive heat wears out your brake pads and of course, you would not want your rotors be compromised because it will cost you a lot. In slippery seasons, brakes are one of the top priorities. Before winter and spring drives, inspect brake pads, brake links and discs if they are all intact. If not, have them replaced. If you think they could still be efficient, increase your brake fluids.
- Blades. Replacing car blades are quite necessary during winter. Wipers, heaters and defrosters must be checked and replaced when derailed by heavy snow storms. To take care of wiper blades during winter, one could use a cold weather washer/fluid. If wipers become unresponsive, specifically during hot summers, it’s calling for a retirement. Sudden downpours are prevalent during summers and you would not want to be caught up in a zero visibility experience.
Aside from these, you should also have other car parts checked such as car belts, car hoses and even lights. At the end of the day, the more we invest in making our cars flexible in weather changes, the more we shall squeeze convenience out of our prized vehicles.