Warm weather is on its way and it won’t be long before it’s’ time to get out and explore the open road or gear up for that vacation you’ve been planning all winter. Before you head out, make sure your car is road ready – take it in for a routine inspection and spend a little time doing a bit of routine maintenance yourself.  Simple spring and summer vehicle maintenance following the cold winter months can really make a difference when it comes to getting the most out of driving.

Here’s a handy checklist to help prepare your car for summer fun in the sun:

1. Change the Air Filter

It’s recommended that you should change the air filter every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, so if you haven’t done it for awhile, now may be the time to do it.

See This Guide: How to Change the Air Filter

2. Kick the Tires
Once spring is in full bloom, it’s time to get rid of those winter snow tires and replace them with all season tires! All season tires deliver better traction for a wide range of road conditions. If you already have all season tires on your vehicle, it’s probably time to have them balanced and rotated. Don’t forget to check the air pressure – the correct amount of air pressure will help improve fuel economy and deliver better driving and handling results.

See This Guide: How to Check Air Pressure in Tires

3. Fluids
Now is a great time to make sure you’ve got enough of everything you need. Check to make sure all fluid levels are filled.  You should include washer fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, coolant and power steering fluid.

See These Guides: The Basics: Routine Vehicle Maintenance Part I & The Basics: Routine Vehicle Maintenance Part II

4. Replace Wiper Blades
Now is definitely a good time to check the wiper blades.  Winter driving can make the rubber on the blades brittle, which means it’s only a matter of time before they crack and break.  Better to replace them now than later or get caught in a downpour and risk having them fall apart when you need them most.

See This Guide: How to Replace Wiper Blades

5. Brake Check
Speaking of brake fluid, it never hurts have your brakes checked. If when applying the brakes, you hear grinding, squealing, scratching or something sounds amiss, it’s probably time for new brake pads or shoes. You’ll want to have this checked out by a professional as soon as possible. Letting it go can cause permanent damage to your brakes, result in less-effective stopping and could put your life at risk.

See This Guide: How Do I Know if I Need New Brakes?

6. Air-Conditioning
Before the weather starts to really heat up, check your A/C.  Turn it on high and switch over to the coldest temperature level your A/C allows. Be certain the air coming out is cold, the airflow strong and that it will cool the interior of the vehicle well. If you experience any problems or hear unusual noises, it could be a sign of trouble belts and hoses may be worn, or there is a leak.

7. Belts and Hoses
Open the hood and look at all the belts and hoses.  Notice any signs of wear, including cracks, frays, blistering and rough areas. If they show signs of wear, you’ll want to replace them as soon as possible.

See This Guide: What is a Serpentine Belt?

8. Apply Protectant
Just like us, our cars can also be damaged by the sun’s rays, so it’s a good idea to apply a protectant to vinyl areas of your car’s interior. After you’ve washed your car, it’s a good idea to apply a fresh coat of wax, too.

See This Guide: How to Hand Wash Your Car

9. Battery
Inspect the battery and battery cables and note any corrosion, cracks and dirt. Many service centers can check the condition of the battery and charging system. If the battery is weak, have it replaced.

See This Guide: How to Buy a Car Battery

10. Emergency Kit
Keep an emergency kit in your trunk with some basic items in case your vehicle breaks down. Be sure to include a quart of oil, a gallon of drinking water, jumper cables, windshield washer fluid, basic tools, gloves, a flashlight with some spare batteries and a first aid kit.

See This Guide: Don’t Leave Home Without It

I hope that by following these helpful tips, guides and suggestions, Cars for Girls readers can get the most from their cars this driving season!

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