The cold winter months are sure to have put a test on various components on your vehicle… if you haven’t had any issues this is a great time to ensure that it i properly maintained for the warmer months ahead.
Cold temperatures, road salt, and pot holes can take a toll on our vehicles engine components, exterior, and suspension. A weekend of wrenching paired with some high quality offerings from Europa Parts will help you keep your car on the road for the foreseeable future.
1. Tire Pressure
Your tire pressure will drop 1psi for every 10 degrees that the temperature drops. A improperly inflated tire will result in worse gas mileage and be a potential disaster on the highway as they are much more prone to blowouts. Please check your tire pressure monthly to ensure they are properly inflated The sidewall will give you a maximum number to inflate to.
2. Fluid Levels
Belly pans are great for protecting the underside of our vehicles however they can also hide an ugly truth… leaks. If you park your vehicle outside it’s tough to spot a leak, especially if it’s a small one. Coolant and oil leaks are very common so it’s always a good idea to check those. Don’t forget your brake fluid and power steering fluid as well.
3. Battery
Colder cranking amps cause the battery on your vehicle to work harder. A battery that is over five years old or has been recharged numerous times should be checked and replaced accordingly.
4. Coil Packs and Spark Plugs
A faulty ignition system can leave you stranded if a coil pack fails. We have numerous ultimate ignition kits to make sure that your car operates correctly. A bad spark plug can also drastically reduce your gas mileage.
5. Wheel Alignment and Suspension
If you live anywhere that sees a lot of snow you will know that salt causes massive potholes on the road. Just one potholes can destroy your tire, wheel, blow your shocks, and totally mess up your alignment. If you feel as if your car is pulling either to the left or right it is recommended to get your alignment checked out. A bad alignment will cause your tires to wear out prematurely. You can also check your shocks by pushing down on the hood or trunk of your car to see what state they are in.
6. Belts and Hoses
These can take a beating, especially hoses. When it’s cold and your car heats up the hoses expand and contract quickly which can cause them to eventually crack. Your coolant hoses take the biggest beating as cold coolant gets heated up fairly quickly. This is where most coolant leaks come from.
7. Filters
Although changing your filters bi annually may seem like overkill it’s best to keep them as clean as possible. Clogged air filters reduce gas mileage and a dirty cabin air filter will bring dust and pollen into the cabin of your vehicle. These should be changed much more often than your fuel filter as they get dirty much more quickly.
8. Windshield Wipers
One of our best selling products in March are windshield wipers as they usually get damaged during the winter. When you have a car covered with snow and ice it is common to use your windshield wipers to clear the elements. Unfortunately this damages the blades and they will not work properly during inclement weather. Driving with an improperly cleaned windshield is dangerous for both the driver and others on the road. Make sure your windshield wipers operate correctly.
9. Brakes
Brake pads, rotors, and fluid should be checked at least twice a year. We recommend making sure your braking components be checked in the spring and fall. If your brake light is on that means that your pads need to be serviced. Rotors should be replaced if pitted or worn out.
10. Interior and Exterior Cleaning
Since your vehicle kept you warm in the winter and got your from a to b we recommend cleaning all the salt off the paint, wheels, and under body. Salt will literally eat away at the protective coatings and eventually rust. We offer a full line of Mothers detailing products that will help you make your car shine like the day it rolled off the showroom floor.