Tag: Tasks

Spring is the perfect time to give your car a little TLC to keep it running properly. With the cold and snow behind you and the prospect of spring or summer road trips, you want to make sure that your car is safe to drive and ready to get you from point A to point B. Even if there are no dash lights indicating the need for service, there are still several necessary basic maintenance tasks that will help you save money in the long run by avoiding more serious repairs in the future. Plus, if something is wrong, you can catch it before it becomes a bigger problem or leaves you stranded on the side of the road. Continue reading to identify a few key car maintenance tasks to perform this spring.

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1. Get an Oil Change

If you haven’t recently had your oil changed, the start of spring is a great time to schedule one. Keeping up with routine oil changes — typically every 5,000 to 7,000 miles depending on your car — helps your car continue to operate properly. Oil changes are also important for keeping debris from gathering in the engine and pulling too much heat from the combustion chamber, which can lead to more serious problems. If you know how to change a car’s oil, then you might be able to do this task yourself. Otherwise, take your car into a service center for this important routine maintenance task.

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2. Check the Tire Pressure

Tire pressure often drops during the winter. When the temperatures are cold outside, it can cause tires to lose several pounds of pressure. Keeping an eye on tire pressure and making sure it isn’t too low can help prevent the tires from getting overheated and blowing out. If this happens, not only could it put you at risk for an accident, but you’ll just end up wasting money on your car by buying new tires that would have otherwise been unnecessary.

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3. Check the Windshield Wiper Blades

Now that the ice and snow are behind you, it is also a good idea to check your windshield wiper blades to see if they need to be replaced. The winter months can cause a lot of damage to the wipers. If you think about it, they’re often caked in ice, exposed to frigid temperatures, or nicked by the scraper as you clear the snow-covered windshield. This can cause the wipers to crack or bend. If you see any signs of damage, it’s time to purchase a new set of windshield wiper blades. Fortunately, replacing the wipers is a relatively simple task that you should be able to do yourself by following the directions in your vehicle’s manual.

4. Test All the Lights

Testing your car lights is a