• Wash your vehicle: make sure when selecting a car wash you choose one that washes the vehicles exterior as well as the undercarriage.
  
  TIP: Save yourself from future interior cleaning by purchasing a set of WeatherTech floor mats. 
  
  
• Detail the inside of your vehicle: Although it may seem dry, the floor may be saturated with water, snow, salt, and anything else your shoes tracked in over the winter. Make sure to also treat the dashboards and and vinyl and or leather to prevent cracking.
  
  
• Check alignment and suspension: Winter is known for being harsh on roads, which can be harsh on your vehicle. If you find yourself frequently traversing roads with huge potholes or rocks that have emerged from the asphalt, it could ruin your car's alignment or damage suspension components. Our advice: If you've taken your car to a mechanic to check under the hood, ask for a quick suspension and alignment check to make sure nothing is too far outside the manufacturer's specifications.
  
  TIP: A sure sign that you may need an alignment is if your steering wheel isn't centered or the car doesn't track straight. Also, your shocks or struts may need attention if you notice that the vehicle feels like it has a loose or overly soft ride with an extra rebound when going over bumps.
  
• Inspect, rotate and align your tires: Winter driving is hard on your vehicle's tires. Aligning and rotating your vehicle's tires ensures safer wearing and will get the best life out of the tires. It's also important to monitor tire tread and make sure none of your tires are balding; they will need adequate traction for the rainy months ahead. Make sure to check the spare to in case you need it.
  
  TIP: If you were using winter tires, remove them altogether and replace them with all-season or summer tires.
  
  
• Set tire pressure: Temperature changes make your tire pressure fluctuate. Now that the cold is finally leaving us and temperatures are rising, check your tires and set them to the appropriate pressure.
  
  TIP:(set it to the pressure in the door jamb, not what the sidewall of the tire says) This will improve your fuel mileage and give you longer tire life.
  
  

• Check your windshield wipers: Windshield wipers take a beating during winter. Ice and snow degrades the wipers rapidly. It is best to change your wipers with the seasons, especially as the rainy season approaches. Experts recommend changing the blades every six months to a year, depending on use and weather. New windshield wipers will improve visibility and reduce the risk of an accident. If you would like we can even help you install the new wiper blades.
  
  
• Check your Battery: Because your vehicle works extra hard during winter, it is easier for the battery to drain. We can help you test your battery and help with a replacement if necessary.
  
  
• Check your filters: Spring is also known for pollen and allergies. You can keep them out or minimize their presence in the cabin by replacing the filter in your climate control system. Most manufacturers recommend changing the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles. Just as you need to breathe clean air, so does your car's engine. Spring is a good time to check the air filter to ensure that the old one hasn't been clogged by dirt or other impurities. A filter contaminated by oil or other fluids can also be a sign of larger engine problems.
  
  
• Check and fill fluids: Get all of your vehicle's fluids topped off and filled, especially windshield wiper fluid. It empties quickly during the winter when it is constantly being used to clean grime from the windshield.
  
  TIP: Purchase a wiper fluid with RainX, it will keep your front window clean and increase visibility, especially in the rain. Engine oil protects the engine against wear and tear. It is important to keep it full so that the engine and its working parts continue to function properly. Another important fluid to monitor is brake fluid. Brake fluid transfers the pressure from your foot on the pedal to the wheel. If the brakes do not have enough fluid, it will take more time and effort to stop your vehicle. Power steering fluid, (make sure the level is correct, some vehicles have electronic steering so there will be no fluid) Power steering is an important system in every vehicle, as it helps drivers turn the wheel quickly and easily and also acts as a lubricant to protect all the moving parts in your steering system. Check your coolant to make sure it's not too old - an important factor for avoiding overheating as temperatures gradually climb.
  
  
• Check under your hood: Do a thorough check under your hood to make sure your car's engine made it through the winter without problems. Specifically, check belts and hoses to ensure the cold temperatures haven't rendered them brittle or heavily worn check for cracks or any damage. If you aren't comfortable performing these checks on your own, we can help. While you may get billed for an hour of labor, it's better than going into the spring with potential issues lurking under your hood.
  
  

• Check your lights: Headligts and taillights are the obvious ones, but don't forget about the blinkers, back up lights as well as your license plate light if your car has one. Most drivers simply get into the car, start it and doesn't even think of lighting or the fact that it can provide security. But most of the light is about security and communications. The headlights and tail lamps ensure that other drivers see you, even in reduced visibility. This is crucial to avoid accidents. The blinkers give a queue to other drivers letting them know your plans and brake lights tell them you are slowing and or stopping and gives them time to adjust their speed.
  
  
• Check brakes and replace pads if necessary: We use our brakes a lot when its cold a rainy and we can wear the pads down. Its always best to have them checked for an disrepair to avoid any safety issues.
  
  If your someone who likes roadtrips here are a few items you should always keep in your car:
  

•  Cloth or roll of paper towels
•  Jumper cables and or a car battery charger
•  Warning devices (flares or triangles)
•  Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
•  Flashlight with extra batteries
•  Window washer solvent
•  Blankets
•  Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers including family and emergency services, including insurance providor and a prefered towing company if you have one.
• Drinking water
• First-aid kit with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, nonlatex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers and instant cold compress
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers some good examples : high-energy foods, such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits, jerky and hard candy
• Compass
• Reflective vest in case you need to walk to get help
• Car charger for your cell phone
• Fire extinguisher
• Duct tape
• Rain poncho

SLEEPY HOLLOW CHEVROLET CALEDONIA SPRING SERVICE

Let us help you mark off your car or truck spring maintenance checklist. You can ensure your car is ready for spring by calling Sleepy Hollow Chevrolet Buick GMC an scheduling a time to come in for your spring prep service . Contact us or come see us today at SLEEPY HOLLOW CHEVROLET BUICK GMC.