The flowers are blooming, the sun shining and the road calling. Sure signs of spring, so it’s time to make sure your rides are ready. Here are some tips:
MECHANICAL
– AIR FILTER. Replace according to owner’s manual, more often in dusty conditions. A dirty filter will lower gas mileage and hurt performance. Hold the filter up to light to see how dirty it is.
– BATTERY. Check for cracks or leaks. Remove cables and clean the connectors and battery terminals with a terminal brush. Spongy-looking bloom should be cleaned with a solution of baking soda and water. Make sure all connections are secure. Always remove the negative cable first and attach it last.
– BELTS. Make sure drive belts are adjusted for a snug fit and not cracked, glazed or frayed. They should not deflect more than a half inch when pushed by your finger.
– COOLING SYSTEM. Inspect hose clamps for tightness. Check radiator hoses and heater hoses for bulges or cracks. Check for sponginess by squeezing them. If the coolant in the reservoir is low, add a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to protect against boilover.
– ENGINE. Clean it. Cover distributor, air intake (carburetor or throttle body) with plastic. With the engine warm, but not hot, spray on engine cleaner and allow it to work while you’re cleaning the interior. Rinse with plenty of low pressure water but avoid electrical connectors.
– OIL AND FILTER. Oil and filter should be replaced if it is about due. If you had been using a lighter viscosity oil for the winter, change to a summer-weight oil having the right API rating (check your owner’s manual). Wipe a little oil on the filter gasket before installing.
– POWER STEERING. Groaning noises or rough feel when you turn the wheel means the system needs attention. The fluid is probably low, possibly because of a leak somewhere.
– TIRES. Remove winter tires if you’ve used them and rotate the tires and inflate to the pressure specified on the label affixed to the door jamb. Look for uneven wear indicating the need for an alignment. If any of the wear bars are visible, replace the tires.
– BRAKES. Inspect the brake pads (discs) or shoes (drums). If they are worn, replace them. Scored rotors or drums may be restored by machining–to a point.
– EXHAUST. Check for leaks by holding a rag over the outlet at the tailpipe and listening for hissing sounds.
– AIR CONDITIONING. Run the A/C to make sure it is working properly. If it needs service, do it now before the rush.
– TRANSMISSION. Check the fluid level (see your owner’s manual for proper method). Have the fluid replaced if it is dark or smells scorched.
APPEARANCE
– LIGHTS AND LIGHT BULBS. Turn the lights on and walk around the vehicle to check for burned-out bulbs. Have a friend sit inside and apply the brakes, turn signals and flashers and the high beams. The owner’s manual lists replacement bulbs. Check the headlight aim. Honk the horn.
– LOCKS AND HINGES. A graphite-based lubricant is recommended for locks. Insert it through the keyhole. Squirt oil on door, hood, trunk hinges and hood latch/release mechanism.
– PAINT. Use professional touchup paint to seal any scratches or dings you found after cleaning the grunge off the paint. The number for your car’s color is on the body plates, usually in the engine compartment and trunk. After washing the car, give it a solid shine by waxing or polishing. Choose a shady location for easier cleanup. Blast sand and salt from the wheel wells with a strong stream of water.
– TRUNK. Check the spare tire pressure and adjust if necessary. Make sure the jack is in good shape and all the parts accounted for.
– WIPERS. Remove inserts and replace if worn. These can be in bad shape from winter’s ice and snow. Replace the blades if the inserts are not replaceable. Top off the washer fluid. Diluting with a little water keeps it from evaporating too quickly on hot sunny days.
