If you live in cold country you understand all about “winterizing” your automobile . And your home . And your wardrobe . When you live in frozen tundra, “winterizing” is an annual fall ritual. It is just what you do. Storm windows are put on the house. You’ve got to weather strip and caulk around the windows. And you put on the snow tires at the same time you put on your parka.
After a long winter you might think there’s nothing to do with your car except roll down the window and let the fresh air in. But we can assure that your car will run better and last longer if you add some spring time rituals to your yearly routine . Self Storage Lubbock Texas suggests these tips :
* Check your tires. Obviously if you have snow tires on, you need to swap them out. If you do or if you don’t, when you get your regular tires on make sure to check the air pressure. This is just simple science that you learned back in the 5th grade. Cold air shrinks and hot air expands. In the winter many people, like I used to, drive on under inflated tires without realizing it. Do that for an extended period of time and your tires won’t wear evenly.
Brilliant Fact: Springtime means warmer temperatures. That part is obvious.
But did you know that for every 10 degree change in the temperature, the air pressure in your tires can change up to one pound per square inch? Proper inflation helps maximize your car’s fuel economy. Proper inflation also means you get to keep the same tires for a longer period of time.
Keep your tires properly inflated. If you’re unsure as to what’s appropriate for your tires, give a quick call to your mechanic or tire specialist. You might also be able to access this important information online.
* It’s spring cleaning…for your engine . When we think spring, we typically think fresh starts and new beginnings. Spring is a great time to start fresh with your engine, too. Change your oil, flush your coolant, do a transmission fluid flush, too. Run a couple bottles of fuel injector cleaner through a fresh tank of gas. And if appropriate, change your spark plugs.
Beyond these things, if you plan to take a driving trip on spring break or a summer vacation, It would be a wise idea to pay your mechanic for an hour of his or her time to do a “check up” on your auto . If you have hoses and belts that are worn or frayed your mechanic can let you know so your trip will be “uneventful” in the best sense of the word.
* Put in fresh blades. Cold temperatures aren’t kind to your wiper blades. Be prepared for the spring rains by installing fresh wiper blades.
* Suck it up. Do a thorough cleaning of your car’s interior. Take out the floor mats and vacuum under the seats. Be sure to get in those tight spots between the seats. Wipe down the doors, clean your windows, and don’t forget to vacuum out the trunk. (Who knows what you might find? Maybe your lost dog or some college tuition…)
* Hose it off. Self Storage Lubbock Texas reminds you that in cold country you drive through the “four S’s”: snow, sleet, slush and salt. None of them are kind to your car . So springtime springs you need to power wash your vehicle. This includes washing the under carriage, especially if you drive on salty streets. This will ensure you’ll make your car last longer and help inhibit salt and rust corrosion.
*Extra Tip: If you lift the hood (and you probably should) and see lots of gunk and grease, get a bottle of Fantastic or 409 (grease cutting cleaners) and spray everything completely . Let it sit for a while, then with the “rinse” setting at the car wash, spray everything off. An engine wash will keep it looking new.
**Remember, if you’re driving an older vehicle that has a distributor cap, be sure to cover it with a heavy towel or set of towels so as not to get it wet.
Self Storage Lubbock Texas wants your car to be as fresh as a daisy for spring.
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