7 Spring Maintenance Tips to Prepare Your Vehicle After Winter
Calgary’s winters aren’t just about snow and ice—the constant freeze/thaw cycles can wreak havoc on your vehicle. As temperatures fluctuate, roads expand and contract, creating potholes and cracks that can damage your suspension, tires, and alignment. The buildup of road salt and moisture can also lead to rust and corrosion. Now that spring is here, it’s the perfect time to assess any winter wear and ensure your car is in top shape with these Car Maintenance Tips for the warmer months ahead.
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your vehicle safe and reliable year-round. Some services, like tire changes and wiper replacements, should be done seasonally, while others, such as suspension and brake inspections, should be performed at least once or twice a year. Follow these seven essential spring car maintenance tips to know what needs attention now and what you can plan for in the coming months.
Why Spring is the Perfect Time for a Vehicle Tune-Up
Winter driving can be tough on your car, and minor issues that developed over the season can turn into major problems if left unchecked. Calgary’s frequent freeze/thaw cycles lead to rough road conditions, increasing wear on key components like your suspension and braking system.
A spring tune-up typically includes an oil change, a check of all major fluids, an inspection of belts and hoses, and an overall assessment of your vehicle’s health. If you haven’t had a tune-up in the last 6-12 months, spring is a great time to schedule one before summer road trips and daily driving take a toll.
Tip 1: Inspect Your Suspension After Winter Roads
Calgary’s winter roads are notorious for potholes and rough conditions, which can take a toll on your suspension system. If you notice unusual noises, excessive bouncing, or uneven tire wear, your shocks and struts may need attention.
Suspension components such as shocks, struts, ball joints, and control arms should be inspected at least once a year - the spring is a great time to inspect with these Car Maintenance Tips, when damage from winter roads is most noticeable. If you drive frequently on rough roads or notice handling issues, a more frequent checkup is recommended.
Tip 2: Check Tire Health
If you’re noticing uneven wear on your tires, it might be time for a tire rotation. A tire rotation is the process of moving your tires from one position on your vehicle to another—typically switching front tires to the rear and vice versa, sometimes changing sides as well. This ensures even tread wear across all four tires, extending their lifespan and improving performance. With an abundance of potholes on the roads, this is an important step in ensuring your tires last longer and your driving remains safe. Here are a few more reasons to complete a tire rotation:
Prevents uneven wear: Front tires tend to wear out faster than rear tires due to steering and braking forces. By rotating them, you distribute the wear more evenly.
Enhances traction and handling: Evenly worn tires provide better grip on the road, improving handling, braking, and fuel efficiency.
Extends tire lifespan: Rotating tires regularly can help you get the most out of your set, delaying the need for premature replacements.
Protects your suspension and alignment: Unevenly worn tires can lead to imbalances in your suspension, potentially causing vibrations and alignment issues.
Your tires should be inspected for tread wear and proper inflation every season—especially in the spring when temperature changes can affect tire pressure. If your all-season or summer tires have less than 4/32" of tread depth, it may be time to replace them. A tire rotation is also recommended every 8,000-10,000 km to ensure even wear.
Tip 3: Switch to All-Season Tires
This is always the trickiest service in the spring - when to switch your tires! In Calgary, it always feels like as soon as you trade your winter tires for all seasons or summer tires… there’s another bout of snow. However, if you’ve been using winter tires, the time to switch back to all-season or summer tires will come soon. Driving on winter tires in warmer temperatures can lead to faster wear and reduced fuel efficiency.
Tip 4: Replace Wipers
Spring showers and leftover grime from winter roads mean you need a clear windshield at all times. Wiper blades often become worn or cracked due to winter’s harsh conditions, so replacing them in spring with these Car Maintenance Tips ensures you have optimal visibility. Windshield wipers should be replaced every 6-12 months or sooner if they leave streaks or make noise.
Tip 5: Check Fluid Levels
This is also a great time to check and top off all essential fluids, including:
Engine oil – If it’s been a while since your last oil change, fresh oil will help protect your engine from excess wear.
Coolant – Ensures your engine doesn’t overheat as temperatures rise.
Brake fluid – Critical for maintaining responsive braking.
Transmission fluid – Helps keep your transmission shifting smoothly.
Windshield washer fluid – Essential for keeping your windshield clear from dirt and spring pollen.
If you’re due for an oil change, consider bundling it with your spring maintenance service to keep your vehicle in top shape. An oil change is typically recommended every 5,000-8,000 km, depending on your vehicle and driving conditions.
Tip 6: Brake System Check: Ensuring Safety After Icy Roads
Winter driving involves frequent braking on icy and snowy roads, which puts extra strain on your brake pads, rotors, and calipers. If you hear squeaking, grinding, or feel a soft brake pedal, it’s time for a professional brake inspection.
Brakes should be checked at least twice a year, with spring being a key time to assess any winter-related wear. If your brake pads are less than 3-4mm thick, they should be replaced. Brake fluid should also be checked and changed every 2 years or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Tip 7: Clean and Protect Your Vehicle’s Exterior from Winter Damage
Road salt, dirt, and grime can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage and wheel wells. A thorough exterior wash, including an undercarriage cleaning, will remove winter buildup.
If your vehicle has been exposed to excessive salt and grime, more frequent washes can help prevent rust. As part of your regular Car Maintenance Tips, consider applying a protective wax or sealant to maintain your car’s paint and shield it from summer sun damage.
Schedule Your Spring Maintenance with Bowest Motors
Spring is the perfect time to give your vehicle a fresh start. At Bowest Motors, our expert technicians are ready to inspect, repair, and maintain your car so you can enjoy smooth and safe driving all season long. Whether you need a suspension check, brake inspection, tire change, or a full tune-up, we’ve got you covered.
Call us or contact us today to book your spring maintenance appointment!
