Caring for your car each season won’t only help your car last longer, it will also keep you safer. As Canadian drivers, we all know what to do when winter approaches: we put on winter tires, check our car battery and change fluids in preparation for the frigid temperatures ahead. But do you know what to do once the weather warms up again? Here are five car-care tips to remember each spring.
Five Car Care Tips to Do Every Spring
1. Swap your winter tires for seasonal ones.
When temperatures consistently stay above 7 degrees Celsius, it’s time to swap your winter tires for summer ones. Those hot summer roads can cause the soft rubber tread on winter tires to change shape, creating more resistance and less grip. Accelerating, cornering and braking can all be compromised as a result.
Don’t have time to visit the garage? CAA Mobile Tire Change service comes to your driveway and even includes a complimentary battery check while they’re there. CAA Members enjoy savings, plus if you’re a CAA Auto Insurance1 policyholder, you save even more.
Need summer tires? Pirelli Tires2 are a great option and CAA Members enjoy rewards when purchasing them.
2. Wash winter off your car.
During the great Canadian winter, salt is everywhere — on streets, highways, sidewalks and driveways. That salt can lead to rust on your car, so you’ll want to wash it off. Throughout the winter, wash your car’s exterior when there’s no risk of your locks freezing. Salt deposits continue to corrode in summer, so if you didn’t wash your car during winter, wash it at the first sign of spring. Do-it-yourselfers can find car-cleaning essentials here.
For added protection, consider getting a rust-control application. Take your vehicle to the trusted professionals at Krown where CAA Members save on services and products. Keeping rust away leads to fewer maintenance issues, longer car life and a higher resale value. It’s even good for the environment since rust-free vehicles can be recycled.
3. Check your fluids.
There are six types of fluids you should check each spring. Here’s why.
- Engine oil. Motor oil lubricates your car engine. Letting it run low can lead to costly engine damage.
- Radiator fluid. If coolant is low, there may be a leak or a problem. Have it checked by mechanic.
- Transmission fluid. If you notice small particles or a burnt smell, have a professional replace to avoid costly engine damage. Also, check owner’s manual for transmission fluid replacement interval.
- Power-steering fluid. If low, there may be a leak. Have a trusted mechanic inspect for safety and maximum steering response.
- Brake fluid. If low, have a mechanic inspect. There may either be a leak, or the brakes are heavily worn.
- Windshield-washer fluid. Bug season is around the corner, so be sure you have enough fluid to keep your windshield clean. You no longer need the de-icer of a winter fluid. Warm-weather windshield-washer fluid is formulated to tackle bug-splatter and give you a streak-free shine.
4. Clean out all that stuff you collected over the winter.
Cups, tissues, wrappers and receipts have a way of collecting in cars. So, take a few minutes and clean out your door pockets, console, cupholders and trunk. To keep everything in its place, consider investing in a handy car organizer.
Replace any emergency food and water. Remove spare winter clothing, charge any cell charger batteries and add a spare bottle of washer fluid.
5. Check on your auto insurance.
Why wait until your auto insurance policy is up for renewal to make sure you’re enjoying all the benefits you could be? Let spring be your reminder to check on your policy. Licensed CAA Insurance Agents provide complimentary policy reviews and you don’t even have to be a CAA Member to get one. Quotes are honoured for 60 days, so an advance review can help keep your renewal options open to ensure you enjoy as many benefits as you can. There’s more good news: if you’re a CAA Member, you’ll save up to 20%3 on CAA Auto Insurance and enjoy some other perks too. To get started on a quote, call 1-877-222-1717 or visit caasco.com/Spring2023.
Need Auto Advice?
CAA’s team of automotive experts will provide Members with a free consultation and advice you can trust on car care, buying a new or used vehicle, auto repairs, vehicle inspection, driving costs and more. Call 1-866-464-6448 or visit CAA Auto Advice™ for more information.
