The winter rains have given way to sunshine!
We hope you are getting excited about the spring because we are! Frost heaves are thawing and people are starting to talk about summer plans. Before we jump into the summer we have to remember New England’s famous melting season, the period of time when you can’t tell if the water is mostly from clouds or the melting snow! With that, we at Route 77 Motors wanted to remind everyone of 5 springtime car checks that can go a long way!
1. Check Break Pads
Winter in New England is not kind to the brake pads. Ice, road salt, sand, and chemicals are just a small list of items that can corrode your brake pads throughout the winter. Some brake pads have indicators for when to be replaced, but a measurement to remember if the pad is thinner than 1/8″ to 3/16″ it is time to replace them.
2. Time For A New Car Battery?
The average car battery lasts between 2-5 years. But, frequently working in temperatures below freezing can drain the life of the battery or cause damage. Car battery damage to look for would be corrosion (white looking film), dimming headlights, and ticking noises when starting the vehicle. A bad car battery can survive through the winter but come springtime and higher temperatures the car may overheat and damage the battery completely.
3. Coolant Flush
Changing the coolant in your car is a conversation for fall going into winter, right? Nope! The coolant being used in the winter is made for cooler temperatures and has a different chemical compound. Some of the chemicals used to create the winter formula create a gel-like film that can clog the lines of your car causing things to do worse than overheating! Here is a video from ChrisFix for an easy guide.
4. Undercarriage
Just like your brake pads, checking the undercarriage of your car can save years on its lifespan. Between all the chemicals, snow, ice, and melt your undercarriage is not given too many breaks during the winter months. Making sure to wash your car regularly through the spring melting process makes sure it is rust free and ready for the long haul.
5. Alignment and Suspension
Remember that frost heave, that terrible ice chunk, or that newly found hole on the road? So does your alignment and suspension, in fact, they probably remember it better than you! With that being said, remembering to rotate your tires and align your suspension will be like a chiropractor to your vehicle. With everything in its proper place, your car will ride happier come the summer months.
Don’t let the winter cause problems for you in the spring, most of these checks involve 30-seconds of your time and can save you a potentially awkward roadside call. Take the time today and enjoy every ride worry-free, and if your check becomes anything more give us a call, our vehicle maintenance team is great with diagnosing and fixing your vehicle’s service needs!
Plus, did you know you can text us to schedule service?
Send us a text at 1.833.232.5975, or if you’d prefer to give us a call, our number is (603) 529-7700.
We take walk-ins and appointments and are looking forward to making your driving experience an enjoyable one for years to come.