How to Prep Your Car for Spring in Iowa
If you’ve lived in Iowa long enough, you know that winter can be tough on your car. The freezing temps, salted roads, and potholes can take a real toll on your vehicle, and before you know it, you’re dealing with corrosion, worn tires, or even engine issues. Spring car maintenance isn’t just about making sure your car looks good—it's about keeping it running smoothly and safely as we transition from the brutal winter months to the unpredictable weather of early spring.
Here’s what you should be checking before you hit the open road.
1. Check Your Tires
After a long winter of icy roads, snowdrifts, and all-around rough driving conditions, your tires are likely due for a little attention. Tire wear and damage are common after months of driving through freezing temperatures and salt-covered roads. As the snow melts and potholes become more visible, it’s crucial to ensure your tires are up for the task.
What to Do:
Inspect your tires for any cuts, punctures, or uneven wear.
Check the tread depth—if it’s too low, it’s time for replacements. A simple penny test will do the trick: insert a penny upside down into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
Consider rotating your tires if you haven’t already. This helps to ensure even wear and extends their lifespan.
Don’t forget to check tire pressure! Changes in temperature can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate.
2. Inspect Your Brakes
Winter roads can be rough, and braking on icy surfaces puts a lot of strain on your brake pads and rotors. If your brakes are making strange noises or feel less responsive than usual, it's a sign that they need some attention before the weather warms up. After all, you don’t want to find yourself dealing with braking issues when the roads are wet from spring showers!
What to Do:
Pay attention to any grinding, squeaking, or vibrating when you apply the brakes.
Have a professional inspect your brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Don’t wait until it's too late—getting them checked now could save you from costly repairs later.
3. Check Fluid Levels and Conditions
Winter can take a toll on your car’s fluids. From engine oil to coolant to windshield wiper fluid, these fluids play a critical role in keeping your vehicle running smoothly. You’ll want to make sure they’re topped up and in good condition before spring rolls in.
What to Do:
Engine oil: Check the oil level and quality. If your oil looks dirty or it’s been a while since your last oil change, make an appointment with us.
Coolant: Coolant helps regulate engine temperature, and we all know that Iowa's spring weather can be unpredictable! Make sure your coolant levels are sufficient.
Windshield washer fluid: Don’t wait for a rainstorm to realize you’re out of washer fluid. Make sure your windshield washer reservoir is full and the wipers are in good shape.
4. Replace Your Air Filters
Your car’s air filter is responsible for keeping dirt and debris out of your engine and cabin. During the winter, these filters can get clogged with salt, dust, and grime, affecting both your car’s performance and the air quality inside your vehicle.
What to Do:
Check both the engine air filter and the cabin air filter. A clogged filter can reduce fuel efficiency and put additional strain on your engine.
A clean air filter can improve performance, reduce fuel consumption, and help keep your car running smoothly.
5. Inspect Your Suspension and Struts
After driving over snowbanks and potholes all winter, your suspension and struts may need a little attention. These components are key to ensuring your vehicle handles bumps and rough roads safely, and they can wear down more quickly in harsh conditions.
What to Do:
If your car is bouncing too much over bumps or feels unstable while driving, it could be time to have your suspension and struts checked.
Have a professional inspect for any leaks or signs of wear and tear. A functioning suspension system is crucial for handling your vehicle, especially as road conditions improve.
6. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also for your car! The combination of road salt, dirt, and grime that accumulates over the winter can cause damage to your vehicle’s exterior and interior.
What to Do:
Give your car a thorough wash to remove all the salt and dirt that can lead to rust and paint damage.
Don’t forget to clean the undercarriage, where salt tends to accumulate and cause corrosion over time.
Clean the interior to remove any salt stains and debris that have built up over the months. It’s a great time to vacuum and wipe down the surfaces.
7. Prepare for Spring Road Trips
As the weather warms, you may be looking forward to taking a road trip or just cruising around with the windows down. Make sure your car is ready to go by checking the following:
Air conditioning: Check that your A/C is working properly—it’s easier to find out now than when you're stuck in a hot car on a sunny day.
Battery check: Cold weather can be hard on your car’s battery. If you’re noticing any signs of battery weakness (slow starts or dim lights), it might be time to have it tested.
Ready for Spring?
With these simple steps, your car will be in great shape to handle the transition from icy roads to spring showers. If you’re unsure about any of these tasks or want a professional inspection, the team at Shade Tree Auto is here to help. We offer a full range of services, from tire and brake checks to fluid inspections and more.
Let us help you get ready for the warm weather ahead! Schedule your appointment today at our Grimes, Urbandale, or Ankeny locations.
Grimes: 515-986-5241
Urbandale: 515-512-1095
Ankeny: 515-964-9492