8 Car Components to Check for Spring Driving
Before hitting the road this spring, make sure these 8 car components are good to go!
1. Air Conditioner
Summer is coming so make sure your air conditioner (A/C) is fully charged! Turn on your A/C and let it run for a few minutes. Make sure it is pumping cold air. If it’s not, you will need an A/C Recharge.
2. Alignment
It’s pothole season! Harsh winters can tear up the road and hitting a pothole just right can throw off your alignment.
Symptoms of needing Alignment:
- Steering wheel pulls to the left or right
- Feeling of looseness or wandering while driving
- Excessive or uneven tire wear
- Steering wheel is not centered when the car is moving straight ahead
3. Tire Pressure and Tread
With every new season, it's good to give your tires a visual check to ensure everything is looking good. What should you be checking for?
- Tire Tread Depth Reading
- Tread depth should be no lower than 2/32nds of an inch per the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA).
- You can easily do this at home and all you need is a penny! No high tech equipment needed. Learn how to check your tire's tread depth here.
- Tire Air Pressure
- Check and adjust your tire's air pressure as needed according to your vehicle specifications.
- Learn more about how to adjust the air pressure in your tires here.
- Tire Tread Wear Patterns
- As we use our tires, the tread will naturally begin to wear down.
- Check your tire tread for uneven or odd patterns.
- Your tire tread tells a story and can even tell you if you need other auto service done, like an alignment.
- Learn what your tire tread wear patterns mean here.
4. Shocks and Struts
Spring is pothole season in New England! With harsh winters, the roads take a beating between temperature changes and plows leaving potholes that our cars always manage to find! Nothing makes your stomach drop like hitting that pothole you didn't see on the road. They not only affect your car's alignment, but they can also damage your shocks and struts.
Signs of needing a shocks and struts replacement:
- A ride that feels more "bouncy" than usual
- Loud banging noises when going over bumps
- Loss of stability of the vehicle when going over bumps or at high speeds
5. Timing Belt
The timing belt helps synchronize the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft to allow your engine valves to open and close at the right time. A corroded or cracked timing belt can put a quick stop to any vacation plans! Check your owner's manual or online for a maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle before any long road trip to see if your vehicle is due for service.
6. Brake Inspection
Brake inspection or service is not something to put off for another day. Safety is always first! Check your brakes for signs of excessive wear or for any of the following symptoms.
Signs of needing brake replacement:
- Squeaking or grinding noises can indicate the pad(s) are completely worn out
- Vibration n the steering wheel when you step on the brake, especially at highway speeds
- Brake light or anti-lock brake light turns on
- Vehicle pulling in one direction when applying the brakes
- Brake pedal feels "spongy" or goes to the floor
7. Fuel/Induction Service
Winter blend fuels can cause buildup from your engine's injectors valves, and combustion chambers, and can affect drivability. If you are experiencing and of the following symptoms, you may need a fuel induction service.
- Slower pickup when you step on you gas pedal
- Shaking or vibrating while your car is idle
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Rougher ride than usual
- Loss of power
- Check engine light is on
- Emission testing failure
