Tag: spring car repair

April Brings Us National Car Care Month

Despite posting this on April 1, we can assure you we’re not fooling you when we say that April is National Car Care Month.

Taking care of your car is a yearlong task, from regular scheduled maintenance to DIY repairs, so why is there an extra emphasis on car care in April? Well, for starters, many people put off certain repairs during the cold winter months, especially if they want to preform the service on their own. Another reason why car care is especially important in the spring is because the weather provides drivers with numerous hazards. The roads are typically free of snow in April, but that can lead drivers to put the pedal to the metal and drive faster. Additionally, spring is typically a rainy season, meaning drivers are faced with slick roads and decreased visibility when it rains.

Car Care Month

Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council, said lower gas prices mean drivers have more money to spend on repairs and spring travel.

“With gas prices this low, motorists have a few more dollars in their pockets to spend on essentials, like vehicle service and repair, making National Car Care Month the perfect time to reach out to current customers and potential new ones,” said White.

Car Repairs To Consider This Spring

As we mentioned above, spring is typically a wet season which can prove problematic for drivers. Here are a few tuneups you should consider during Car Care Month.

  • Brakes – Make sure your brake pads and rotors are in working order, as the slick conditions will increase stopping times.
  • Windshield Wipers – This DIY repair is pretty quick and easy, but neglecting your wipers can put you and other drivers in danger during a spring storm.
  • Tires – Tires can get worn down during the winter months, and the upcoming pothole season can also do damage to your tires. If your tire tread is worn, swing on in to have them replaced.

If you have any other troubles in need of service, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Related source: CarCare.org

5 Spring Car Care Tips

Spring is officially here, and even through some spots around the Twin Cities have been hit with some late season snow, the warm weather is right around the corner. We’ve talked about the importance of prepping your car for winter on the blog before, but keeping your car in tune for spring is just as critical in extending the life of your vehicle. Below, we share five ways to prepare your car for spring.

1. Check Your Tire Pressure – Temperature directly affects your tire pressure, so you’ll want to ensure they are properly inflated. The warmer weather will increase your tire pressure, and if the pressure gets too high, you may be prone to a blow out. Use a pressure guage to ensure your tires are at the proper psi.

2. Examine Your Wiper Blades – Spring is typically a very wet month, which means you’ll need to be able to see clearly when it’s rainy. Windshield wipers are relativity cheap to buy, and you can install them yourself. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you purchase the right type of blade.

Spring Car Care

3. Alignment Issues – Hopefully your car’s alignment is fine right now, but as we’ve documented on the blog before, spring is usually synonymous with pothole season. Do your best to safely avoid any potholes you see in the road, and don’t hesitate to report particularly nasty potholes to the proper department. Potholes can severely damage your suspension and alignment, so if you notice that your car is pulling to the right after hitting a pothole, stop in to our shop to get it looked at.

4. Pump Your Brakes – Being able to stop during the icy season is very important, but all that extra braking during the winter season takes a toll on your brakes. If you hear a grinding noise while you’re braking, you’ll want to bring your car into the shop immediately. For more information on brake care, swing on over to this blog.

5. Wash Your Car – As we’ve documented before, road salt can be especially damaging to your car’s undercarriage. Take your car to a wash center that provides an undercarriage wash because it can be difficult to fully clean the underside of your car on your own.