Spring Check Up For Your Auto

Colorado winters are tough on a lot of things, including your car. For the past few months, your auto has been battling freezing temperatures, snow and ice, de-icers and road salts. And of course the never-ending assault that comes from hitting the potholes that seem to be all over town. That can put a lot of stress on your car battery, tires, brakes and suspension.

While Denver can seem like a very small town at times, its still likely you travel hundreds of miles each and every month. Washing your car and getting rid of the dirt may put you in a springtime mood, yet it’s the regular maintenance cycle that will keep it running as well as it looks, and keep it in peak performance all year long.

Here are a few auto repair tips to help keep your car in top performance as we move into the long, warm summer months.

Battery

 

Batteries work harder when the temperatures are below freezing. In fact, they can compromise cranking performance by up to 60 percent. If you have a battery that is three years or older, test it regularly and replace it if it shows signs of weakness. Its cheaper than a tow and an emergency replacement.

Tires and Wheels

 

Cold weather can reduce tire pressure. Potholes can damage the wheel or destroy your alignment. Always check your tire pressure and fill to the suggested and proper air levels. Under inflated tires will reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 4 percent, and can cause premature tire failure and blowouts – something you definitely don’t want on your spring or summer road trips.

Car Lights

 

Check your car’s lights, including the headlights, back lights and all inside lighting. Make sure your lights work when on bright and the dimmers too.  Any burnt out lighting should be replaced immediately.

Brakes

 

A full inspection of the brake system can tell you if any damage was sustained to the lines, hoses and parking brake. Fluid levels should be checked and filled to the proper levels. Brake pads should be inspected, measured and replaced as needed.