5 Ways to get your Chevy ready for Spring

December 14th, 2017 by

The snow and ice are beginning to melt and the roads are smooth and easy to drive; it is time to start getting your Chevy ready for the spring. The following five tips will ensure that your car is in tip-top condition for the changing weather conditions.

5 Ways to get your Chevy ready for Spring

 

1. Tires

Properly inflated tires increase fuel efficiency, last lnger, improve steering response, and reduce the chance of a blowout, which could cost anywhere between $50 and $250. You are more likely to blow a tire during the change from winter

Chevy tires

to spring than any other time of the year as tire pressure changes by about one pound per square inch for every ten Check pressure while the tires are cold, as even a short drive to the gas station could give you a false reading. When adjusting the tires, never exceed your Chevy’s pressure rating, which you can find in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s side door frame.degrees Fahrenheit change in outdoor temperature.

Tires often encounter a high amount of wear and tear during the winter. You should visually inspect your car’s tires for any signs of damage and ensure they have plenty of tread to handle the upcoming spring showers. You can extend tread life by rotating the tires which you should typically do every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.

 

2. Wiper Blades

chevy rain windshield

Wipers need changing at least once per year, and the best time to do so is either just before or after the winter. Change your wiper blades sooner if you notice the rubber is becoming dry or cracked.

3. Cleaning

Salt, sand, and dirt from the roads in winter can damage the bottom of your car and cause corrosion. Rust problems not only lower your Chevy’s value, they also present a risk when driving. Such issues can be prevented with an undercarriage power wash at a professional car wash or a high pressure spray from your hose; no soap or other type of cleaner is necessary. If possible, raise your Chevy with a car jack to give it a more thorough clean.

At the same time you watch the undercarriage, clean the engine with soapy water to remove debris such as leaves that may have entered the car. Also, clean residue from the battery with a toothbrush, baking soda, and water. This will prepare your battery for the stress of the warmer spring temperatures.

 

2014 Chevy Camaro Engine

4. The Air Filter

Replacing a clogged air filter can improve your mileage by up to ten percent; however, it can be difficult to know when a filter needs replacing just by looking as some show light when dirty and others when clean. The best method is to change the filter every six months, and you can make the chore easier to remember by adding it to your spring maintenance list.

5. Fluids

After the winter, you should check your windshield wiper fluid and top up your oil, brake fluid, and transmission fluid if it has been about 5,000 since you last change

d them. Every two years, you should also ask an ASE-certified mechanic to flush and refill your coolant system to ensure your Chevy’s engine does not overheat during the warmer weather and to significantly improve your gas mileage.

Neglecting basic maintenance could damage your Chevy and cause you costly bills that could have easily been prevented. Make sure you follow the above tips or schedule an appointment with your local Chevy dealer every spring without fail.

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