Though it may not feel like it this week, spring is on its way! Spring means warmer weather, blooming flowers, and spring cleaning your home. In addition to organizing your home, you should also make sure your vehicle is in check and hasn’t taken too rough a beating from the winter months.

So what can you do for spring vehicle maintenance? We list some steps here:

1. Remove any leftover salt. Salt underneath your vehicle and on tires can create rust and other damage. The best way to effectively remove salt is to go through the car wash, especially one with sprayers that wash the undercarriage.
2. Check suspension and alignment. You may notice your car veering to one side or the other, or a vibrating steering wheel as you drive. This is a sign your alignment and suspension is off, which commonly happens when driving over potholes or rough icy winter roads. A mechanic can do an alignment for a relatively cheap price.
3. Check fluids. If you haven’t had an oil change since before winter, you should definitely do that at the beginning of spring. Ideally oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Flushing transmission fluid is commonly neglected in vehicle maintenance, but it is essential, as rebuilding or repairing the transmission can cost thousands of dollars.
4. Check brakes. Proper functioning brakes is arguably the most important element to vehicle safety. A technician can check brake pads and ensure there are no issues or hazards. Not only do you put yourself at risk for an accident with poor brakes, but they are also much more costly to repair in the future.
5. Check windshield wipers and wiper fluid. Check the levels on your windshield wiper fluid and add more if necessary. There are different kinds of fluid depending on the season, so you may have to drain and replace completely. Test the wipers to ensure they are working correctly; you don’t want to get stuck on a rainy day without being able to see through your windshield.

Happy spring! If you have discovered a crack or chip in your car’s windshield or side windows, contact Frank’s Auto Glass. We can repair and replace glass as necessary, and can even come to you for a mobile repair!