 |
|
 |
Spring & Summer Vehicle Preparation
Spring & Summer Driving Season Tips
After a long Wisconsin winter of wear and tear on your vehicle, Helwig Auto recommends a few important maintenance tips to help keep your car, truck, SUV or hybrid vehicle running in top condition throughout the spring  and summer months and for worry-free vacation driving.
Here's a vehicle maintenance check list for you to use:
-
Hit the local self-serve car wash to remove salt and road chemicals and make your vehicle less vulnerable to rust. Or, schedule a complete detail service at Helwig Auto Clinic!
-
Swap out or rotate tires and check tire pressure. Replace winter tires with all-season tires. Make sure all tires including the spare are properly inflated and balanced. Appropriate tire pressure will increase gas mileage and decrease tread wear for longer-lasting tires. Identify signs of wear and tear by using a coin slipped into the tread to gauge each tire's life span. Don't forget the spare tire! Legal minimum tread depth is 2/32". This is also a good time to rotate and balance the tires since this needs to be done about every 6,000 miles.
-
-
Change the vehicle's fluids including engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid and windshield washer fluid. The winter season may have caused these fluids to become dull and useless, so those fluids should be replaced with fresh. We recommend reviewing condition of vehicle fluids, and we'll compare your service interval with the manufacturer's recommended interval.
-
Since automatic transmissions are subject to fluid breakdown from overheating, it is vital to have this fluid checked during each maintenance period.
-
For the vehicle's ventilation and your comfort on those hot summer days, check the air  conditioning system. Check the vent temperature of the system, which should be at least 55 degrees or less.
-
-
This inspection should also include checking the electronic cooling fan motor, freon levels, and system pressure. Flushing the cooling system will also ensure it provides the maximum comfort and protect your car or truck from overheating problems (especially important in heavy traffic conditions).
- Have the vehicle's belts, hoses, bulbs and wires checked for possible wear, leaks or improper operation.
-
Apply protectants to vinyl or leather on a car's seats to protect from sun and heat exposure and to avoid fading and cracking. Our Detail Department can help!
-
Other key areas that need careful inspection are spark plugs, air filters, cabin filters, and wires. This is also an opportune time to examine belts, clamps and hoses. These can all be victims of the cold, wet winter months.
-
Once winter has passed, many people forget about their wiper blades. However, spring and summer months can bring plenty of wet weather to the Wisconsin area, so it is better to be prepared by installing new wiper blades. Be sure to top off the washer solvent while you're at it.
-
Many vehicle owners let regular oil changes pass by. This can be harmful to the vehicle because this lubricating ingredient helps your engine withstand the heat and pressure of the hot summer months. Changing the oil will help it maintain your vehicle's performance as it is exposed to long trips or stop-and-go freeway driving.
-
With the pot holes that spring up after our rough Wisconsin weathers, your truck or car suspension might have gone through the ringer, so it's best to get this examined for leaks or worn components.
Remember, most of t hese inspections are performed at our regular oil changes, so be sure to call and schedule regular maintenance at 3,000 mile intervals for optimum vehicle performance!
Call Helwig Auto Clinic today at (608) 437-5112 to have your vehicle prepped to ensure your spring and summer driving pleasure! Or, contact us through our website.
|
 |
|
