April is National Car Care Month: Get your car ready for Spring and Summer driving

As Old Man Winter’s grip finally comes to an end, spring is a great time to give your vehicle a little TLC for and ready for the road trips of summer. April is national Car Care Month and a reminder to keep your vehicle regularly maintained for safety.

The freezing temperatures and salty, sandy roads of winter are hard on our vehicles. Salt is very erosive to your vehicle’s undercarriage and can cause rust, build-up, and other potentially serious problems.

In addition, people tend to wait until something goes wrong to take their car into the shop during winter, making that spring car care visit all the more important. The following are some areas that should be checked during this important vehicle service month:

Levels.

Levels to check include washer reservoir, radiator, brake and steering fluids and your tire pressure. Properly inflated tires are safer and also contribute to better fuel efficiency.

Wiper Blades.

Wiper blades should completely clear the glass with each swipe. Replace any that leaves streaks or where spots are missed.

Lights.

Check your vehicle to ensure all lights are in working order including headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and back-up lights. Replace any burnt out bulbs.

Battery.

Have the battery and charging system checked by a trained technician.

Air Filter.

Hold a 60 watt bulb next to the engine air filter. If most of the light is blocked, it needs to be replaced.

Engine Hoses.

Check the battery terminals and cable ends to make sure the ends are tight and they are free of corrosion.

Tires.

Check the tires for signs of wear. For those in states with heavy snowfall, installing snow tires will provide the best traction during winter, so these may need to be removed and replaced with all season tires during spring.

Brakes.

If you suspect any braking problems, have your system inspected by a certified technician.
Keeping a regular service schedule is important for the safety of you and your passengers and for the overall life of your vehicle. Remember the best time to find a mechanic is before you need one.
A properly maintained vehicle can help to avoid accidents before they happen.

If you have been in a car accident in Los Angeles, Long Beach or any area of Southern California caused by the negligence of others, it’s advised to seek the guidance of a legal professional to evaluate your case.

Contact Hinman Law Group at (877) 462-9732 for a FREE consultation to see if we can help.