8 steps to prepare your car for spring
8 steps to prepare your car for spring
The cold season is over and we have already enjoyed our first outings, so this means that we will use the car more and more as a fast means of travel. For a trip free of unpleasant surprises, we have a few tips to turn your car into your most trusted partner.
1. Change the tires
As holidays, vacations and other longer trips by car are coming, tires are essential for a smooth ride. You need to change the tires when the temperature exceeds +7 degrees Celsius. Have the summer tires put on in a specialized workshop, balance them and check the pressure, even for the spare wheel. Improper tire pressure levels contribute to increased fuel consumption. Store the winter tires in a specially designed space. If you have tires with rims (which is preferred), lie them down two by two, if possible. Another option would be to hang them on the wall, completely suspended.
2. Wash the vehicle thoroughly
It is recommended, at least at the end of the cold season, to use a carwash equipped with a chassis wash system. This will help eliminate residues or salts that were scattered on the roads during the winter. Salt can accelerate the rusting of the body and can damage the paint.
3. Get rid of objects you no longer need
Remove from the trunk the snow shovel, the snow chains, the de-icer spray, the thick gloves, the ice scraper or any other useless objects. You will see that you will have more storage space for your holiday luggage.
Note: if there is any winter windshield washer fluid left, you can use it up
4. Sanitize the cooling system
For your health, as well as for your passengers’ health, it is recommended that you clean the cooling system and refresh the antifreeze and the distilled water. Liquid contamination leads in time to the degradation of seals or of the thermostat. If necessary, change the dehumidifier’s filter as well.
5. Replace fluids
It is ideal to change the brake fluid once every three years. The engine oil and the oil filter must be changed periodically, either after a certain period of time or after a certain number of kilometers traveled. If, during winter, the car has been used for long trips and has traveled many kilometers, it is advisable to change both the oil and the filter. For the warm season, it is recommended an oil with a higher viscosity. The Star Lubricants specialists can provide details about what type of oils to use in the summer during the Materom Customer Days, the auto parts exhibition taking place between March 31 and April 1, 2017 at the Expo Hall of the Imperial Inn hotel in Targu-Mures. Also, Star Lubricants will be present this weekend at the Brasov Rally.
6. Change the wipers
Cold and wintry conditions affect the smooth operation of the wipers. They can wear out due to very low temperatures, so they either crack, break or lose their elasticity. A new set of wipers will outface the summer rains to come.
7. Check the drive train and the caster angle
Holes, ice pieces and uniform running have a great impact on the drive train and on the caster angle. Check that they are in good condition in order to not amplify the damage and to avoid creating new ones.
8. Polish the body
Experts recommend polishing the body after winter with a special wax. Fine scratches occurred during winter could disappear and the car will regain its luster.
Last but not least, worn or damaged spark plugs can increase fuel consumption. Also check the brake pads, bushings, joints and other suspension elements. For all details to be observed and to reduce the possibility of unpleasant surprises, we recommend you make an appointment with an authorized workshop.