Spring Is Car Care Time

It’s Spring! Time for Car Care | Car Care

Spring is a prime time for car care.

The year seems to be passing quickly. It seems like just yesterday that we were celebrating the New Year and now spring has sprung, daylight saving time has kicked in and we're about to celebrate Easter. But before you get wrapped up in choosing your Easter bonnet or hunting for eggs, you need to think about your car's welfare.

"Spring is one of the prime times for auto maintenance," says the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. "Some preparation now will help ensure that your summer driving plans go as smoothly as you envision then now."

The ASE has several tips for springtime car care:

"Read the owner's manual and follow the recommended service schedules.
"Have hard starts, rough idling, stalling, etc. corrected before hot weather sets in.
"Flush and refill the cooling system (radiator) according to the service manual's recommendations. The level, condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
"The tightness and condition of belts, clamps, and hoses should be checked by a qualified auto technician.
"Have a marginally operating air conditioner system serviced by a qualified technician to reduce the likelihood of more costly repairs.
"Change the oil and oil filter as specified in owner's manual. (Properly dispose of used oil.)
"Replace other filters (air, fuel, PCV, etc.) as recommended.
"Check the condition of tires, including the spare. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold.
"Inspect all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs.
"Replace worn wiper blades and keep plenty of washer solvent on hand to combat summer's dust and insects."

And, of course, look for a car care center staffed with ASE-certified car care and car repair technicians, like those at Don's Tire and Service. Don's Tire has been the reliable car care and car repair service center in Merced for almost 60 years.