As the seasons change, so do the maintenance needs of your vehicle.
Different weather conditions require different upkeep, whether it’s warm or cold. Experienced local mechanics, such as those at Stewart’s Donnybrook Automotive in Tyler, Texas, advise that staying on top of seasonal maintenance is crucial to keeping your car, truck, or SUV in its best condition. Additionally, regular maintenance can save you money by preventing potential issues “down the road.”
By performing preventative maintenance, you keep your vehicle in top working order and address any issues before they become costly problems.
Regular checks of common concerns like oil, valves, spark plugs, and more are habits worth adopting. They provide peace of mind as you hit the road in any season. Even if your area doesn’t experience significant changes in weather, it’s still a good idea to have a local mechanic inspect your vehicle seasonally.
Winter can be tough on vehicles, making spring an ideal time for a thorough check-up and cleaning. Dirt, dust, and salt can accumulate in hard-to-reach places, leading to rust and other damage that causes long-term issues. While regular car detailing can be costly, scheduling one in the spring is a smart move for maintaining your vehicle. Plus, you’ll have a fresh, clean car to drive into summer.
Spring is also a good time to have your mechanic check caps, lines, belts, filters, and fluids. Winter weather can be hardon a car’s engine, so ensuring everything is in working order is wise. If your headlights seem dimmer, spring is the perfect time to clean all your car lights thoroughly and replace any bulbs that aren’t performing well.
Spring usually brings rain, so before hitting the road, it’s crucial to replace your wiper blades. Driving in heavy rain can be dangerous without properly functioning wipers.
Summer in East Texas can be scorching, so it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is ready for the heat and won’t overheat. At the beginning of the hot months, have your cooling system checked. Make sure your mechanic inspects the cooling fans, coolant, radiator, water pump, belts, and hoses to ensure they’re all in working order. Replace any parts that need it, and top off all fluids. We’ve all seen those stranded on the roadside with steam pouring from their engine—a situation best avoided by a thorough cooling system check.
Tire pressure can increase in hot weather and on sun-heated roads, so ask your mechanic to check and adjust it as needed. This is especially important if you’re planning a road trip, as proper tire pressure can help prevent an inconvenient and potentially dangerous blowout.
And there’s nothing worse than having your AC fail on a hot summer day, so have your local garage check that your AC is working correctly.
If you commute to work or take road trips during the summer, it’s important to have your vehicle checked as summer turns to fall. Start with an oil change and a thorough cleaning inside and out.
When was the last time you had your rotors and brakes inspected? Before winter brings slippery roads, it’s a good idea to have your brake system inspected by a professional mechanic. Brakes are one of your car’s most important safety features, so ensuring they’re in good working order is essential.
A significant drop in temperature means it’s time to have your tires checked again. Worn tires can become dangerous, especially in winter conditions. If you live in a hilly or mountainous area, consider asking about snow tires or even snow chains.
Do you have a safety kit in your vehicle? No matter where you live, it’s essential to keep an emergency kit in your car at all times.
Weather changes can also impact your vehicle’s battery. Before cold winter weather sets in, have your battery tested to ensure it’s functioning correctly. It’s also wise to keep a portable battery charger in your car or truck, just in case.
The changing seasons serve as a good reminder to have your vehicle maintained. Contact your local mechanic today to schedule an appointment.
