Winter in Seattle can put stress on your vehicle. From driving on snowy roads to dealing with potholes, city conditions are not conducive to maintaining a well-operating vehicle. That's why our experts recommend a spring maintenance check-up-plus these 5 tips for transitioning your car from winter to spring!
5 Spring Maintenance Tips for Your Car
1. Change the oil and check the fluids.
Getting an oil change may seem like a routine agenda item for car owners, but when transitioning from winter to spring you'll want to think deeper. In the winter, you'll like put a lightweight oil in your car to help the engine crank over better; in spring heavier weight oils can be easier on your engine. If you have questions, your service technician would be happy to explain the differences and help you make the right choice. At your service appointment, they will also check all of your car's fluids to make sure you're up to date.
2. Remove the snow chains and rotate your tires.
Have snow chains on your car for the winter? You'll want to remove them before the spring sunshine starts poking out through the clouds. Rotating your tires during this time can also help maintain the tread. Most mechanics recommend tire rotation every 5,000 miles, but consult your owner's manual to learn more about your specific vehicle.
3. Clean off the road salt.
Road salt is put down in the winter to keep major highways and interstates ice-free, but the substance can take a toll on your car's exterior. If left on your car too long, it can cause serious rust damage to your car, especially the undercarriage, wheel wells and brakes. Before spring, give your car a nice rinse at the local car wash or consider a car detailing service.
4. Inspect your brakes.
Squealing brakes are annoying and sometimes dangerous. Before you take off on those spring and summer road trips, be sure to have your brakes (pads and rotors) inspected and replaced if necessary. As a safety precaution, it's best to have brakes that function properly. Neglecting them can lead to dangerous driving and costly repairs down the line.
5. Check the alignment.
Winter weather can also do some damage to the roadways-creating cracks and potholes where they don't belong. When your vehicle hits a pothole too hard, it can cause your car's alignment to get off wack. If your car feels like it's pulling to one side or another, have a specialized service technician inspect your alignment to ensure safety.
Suburb Service: #1 Independent Subaru Repair & Maintenance Service Near Seattle
Need maintenance or repair on your Subaru near Seattle? We love Subaru customers-it's why we've chosen to specialize in Subaru-only car repair, maintenance, and more. We've treated Seattle's Subaru customers to excellent service for so many years-and we can't wait to treat you too. Whether you need to make a regular maintenance appointments or to schedule a repair service, contact us today. Show your Subaru some love.