Planning Your Car’s Spring Tune-Up: 5 Steps

Spring is here and warm days are finally ahead of us! There’s nothing like hitting the road in North Charleston with the windows down on a breezy, sunny day, but before you do, it’s a good idea to check in with your car. Are there signs your car needs a tune-up? Most car owners will find that a spring tune-up following months of harsh winter conditions is always a good idea. Learn how to tune your car for spring with the Rick Hendrick Chevrolet service center, below!

1. Spring Clean Your Car!

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you know that the joy of springtime in Mount Pleasant also comes with its pollen-ridden downsides. Save yourself from a miserable time in your car by swapping out your cabin air filter. Then, spring clean your car by vacuuming the interior from top to bottom to eliminate any loose dirt and dust. If it was a particularly muddy winter, you may want to have your interior shampooed at a detail shop, too.

Once you’ve spring cleaned your car’s cabin, it’s time to address the exterior. Road salt and cold temperatures can do a number on your car’s paint, so you’ll definitely want to roll through a local car wash. If it’s your first car wash after the winter season, it’s good to opt for a premium wash package that will really address stubborn grime. Road salt can also cause your undercarriage to rust, so make sure that area is addressed, too!

2. Address Your Tire Pressure

Changing temperatures during the winter to spring transition can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate. Cold temperatures decrease pressure and warm temperatures increase it, so your spring tune-up should include a tire pressure check. If they’re low, fill them to the proper pressure. If they’re overfilled, release some air until they’re just right.

You should also check the overall condition of your tires. Winter roads can cause a lot of wear, so if you haven’t had a tire rotation recently, you should absolutely schedule one for your spring tune-up.

3. Check Wiper Fluid & Replace Wiper Blades

Most drivers use their wiper fluid the most during the winter because the dirty road spray makes it difficult to see. Part of your spring tune-up should be to refill the wiper fluid reservoir, followed by an inspection of the wiper blades. Is the rubber cracking or separating from the blade? Are the wipers skipping across the windshield when you use them? These are all signs that you should install a fresh pair. You might also consider applying a convenient windshield treatment that helps repel moisture.

4. Inspect the Battery

Extreme temperatures can affect your car battery, so you’ll want to assess its functionality going into spring and summer. You could purchase a digital multimeter to test the battery power yourself, or visit a service center like Rick Hendrick Chevrolet to have it professionally tested. The last thing you want is to be stranded with a dead battery on a hot day! If needed, we can replace your battery for a great price at Rick Hendrick Chevrolet.

5. Replenish Engine Oil

We’ve discussed oil change frequency in the past. If your car will need one soon, it’s smart to schedule it as part of your spring tune-up. Low on time? You can easily check your oil at home to determine if it’s at the right level and whether the quality looks okay. If it’s low or the color is dark, it’s time to replenish it.

Tip: Be sure to check service specials at dealerships like ours! We frequently offer service coupons that bundle oil changes and tire rotations together, so you can save money and get your spring tune-ups completed in one convenient visit.

Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

Spring is always a good time to schedule a tune-up, even if you haven’t had any issues with your vehicle lately. If you’re less cautious when it comes to car maintenance and prefer to only schedule it when absolutely necessary, here are the signs your car needs a tune-up for spring:

• Your car is making strange noises
• Your car is stalling out
• Fuel economy has decreased
• Sluggish acceleration
• The steering wheel is shaking
• Rough idling
• Engine misfires
• Your alignment is off
• The brakes are grinding or squealing

Get Your Spring Tune-Up in Charleston

Have additional questions about how to tune your car for spring and summer driving in James Island? Contact us to speak with a service expert today! Rick Hendrick Chevrolet is your one-stop destination for all things auto!