It is official, winter is finally over! Do you know what that means? It is time to assess any wear or damages that may have happened to your vehicle this winter. But, what if you’ve been chillin’ at home and have not driven your car in months due to illness, quarantine, or lockdowns? I’d say now is the perfect time to enjoy some sunshine while you give your car a good look over. Any time your vehicle sits for an extended period of time without being driven, it’s a good practice to do a thorough inspection before getting back on the road. If you are car savvy, this is something you can do yourself, by following the checklist below. Or you can bring your car to Ron’s Garage for your springtime inspection and auto maintenance, oil change (free inspection included), and car alignment.
Springtime Inspection
Post Winter / Pre Trip Checklist
The best part of welcoming spring is saying goodbye to winter driving conditions. However, before you jump in the car for your first road trip of the season, make sure your car is ready to drive safely. Let’s get to it!
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- Exterior: You can start with a walk around the outside of your car. Take note of anything that looks like it needs to be addressed. Most cars need at least a few items taken care of after the rigors of winter.
- Inspect windshield wipers for wear or damage from snow and ice. Winter ice is hard on wipers blades. Replace if necessary. Top off fluid for the windshield washer.
- Check the fluid levels for coolant/antifreeze, transmission, brake and power steering. Check your vehicle’s manual for suggested brands, types, and weights, if you need to top off any.
- Check the battery life. Make sure the cables are secure and corrosion free.
- Check fuses, headlamps, brake lights, turn signals. Replace burned out fuses and bulbs. Working lights are key to safe driving and should never be left inoperable.
- Check belts and hoses for wear, cracks, leaks, etc.
- Inspect filters: cabin, air, fuel and oil. Follow your manufacturer’s suggestions for replacements.
- Wash the undercarriage and body of your vehicle, making sure all the road salt and grime is removed from the wheel wells, under the bumpers, and the wheels or hubcaps.
- Check the windshield for chips and cracks. Schedule any repairs or replacements, if needed.
- Tires: If you used snow tires all winter, now is the time to swap them out for all-weather tires. If you use the same tires all year, check the tread for wear and make sure they are all properly inflated.
General Auto Maintenance
Car Alignment Check
When do I need to align my car? Hidden winter potholes can really tweak your alignment. If your car is pulling to one side, even when your steering wheel is straight, it is time for service. If your tread is worn unevenly or you see bald spots, it is time for service. We provide a full spectrum of tire maintenance and alignment services.
- Tire Replacement & Repair
- Tire Mounting & Balancing
- Front-end, Thrust, and Four Wheel Alignments
- Tire Rotations
Oil Change With FREE Inspection
When do I need an oil change? Following your manufacturer’s suggestions are always a good rule of thumb, when it comes to oil changes. Most recommend an oil change every 3 months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Replacing your oil filter at the same time you replace your oil, is a smart way to prolong the life of your engine. At Ron’s Garage, all of our oil changes come with a free inspection.
Let Us Do the Work for You
Ron’s Garage has been proudly offering professional automotive services to Ann Arbor and surrounding communities since 1982. We are equipped to perform major and minor repairs on all makes and models, imported or domestic, up to one-ton.
For same day or next day service, please call (734) 961-4701 or make an appointment online.
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