Time to Wake Up Your Car and Get It Ready for Spring
Spring is here! As more people are vaccinated and states and cities slowly relax pandemic restrictions, many a car owner will get the itch to go on a road trip. You may be ready for a trip, but you have to make sure that your car is ready, as well. The last thing you need is car trouble to spoil your trip.
If you rarely use your car due to the pandemic or other reasons, you should get your car inspected by a professional mechanic. A mechanic will look under the hood and be able to spot things, such as faulty belts or a slow leak in the radiator. They will be able to check the breaks, the battery, and see if the spark plugs need to be replaced, among other things.
If you can’t have your car inspected, you should check the oil in your car. Even if the mileage on your car has not reached the recommended oil change interval, the oil in your car and additives may have aged while your car sat unused. When in doubt, change the oil. While you’re at it, top your car with all the necessary fluids, such as windshield wiper fluid.
The same is true for your car’s tires. The tires of your car are its physical connection to the road. Good tires not only save you money on gas, but they ensure a smooth and safe ride. If your vehicle sat too long without being used, the tires may not only have lost air, but they could have developed flat spots, so instead of a smooth ride, you may be in for a bumpy ride.
Check the tire pressure and make sure all four tires have the amount of air required by the car’s manufacturer. Find your tires' recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) in the owner's manual or on the sticker located inside the driver's side door. Also check the thread on the tires to make sure they aren’t worn or cracked.
Don’t forget to check your spare tire. In case you get a flat tire on the road, your spare is no good to you if it is not in good condition.
Make sure all your car lights function – outside and inside, and clean your car! Just because the car doors and windows have been shut is no guarantee that bugs have not sneaked inside especially if food remnants were left inside.
Last, but not least, drive your car around a few days before your trip to make sure it runs smoothly. You can’t expect to your car to function properly if it has just awoken from a long sleep!
When in the market for a used car, stop by Carousel Preowned. CarouselPreowned serving Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, North Liberty, Marion, and Coralville, IA, is proud to be an automotive leader in our community. We do our best to ensure your complete satisfaction every time you step into our car dealership. This is why we offer the widest selection of used and pre-owned cars, trucks, and SUVs and provide true ease of purchase in Iowa.