Spring might feel like a break from the challenges of winter driving, but your car doesn’t get to relax. In fact, this season is your best chance to catch up on overlooked maintenance and prep your vehicle for the hotter months ahead. From rising temperatures to family road trips, summer brings unique stress to every system in your car.
Catching small issues now could save you from sitting roadside later. Here are eight smart tips that can help prevent summer breakdowns and keep your vehicle in top shape.
1. Check and Replace Wiper Blades
Winter weather wears down your wipers more than you think. Between frozen windshields, ice scraping, and road grime, the rubber blades often come out cracked or misshapen. By the time spring rolls around, they may streak more than they clear.
Worn wipers aren’t just an annoyance—they’re a safety hazard in spring rainstorms or summer downpours. If your blades leave streaks or chatter across the glass, it’s time for a new set. They’re one of the easiest and most affordable upgrades you can make.
2. Inspect and Top Off Fluids
Your car relies on a variety of fluids to run safely and efficiently. If any are low or dirty, they can cause parts to wear out faster or even overheat. Spring is the perfect time to check under the hood and make sure everything’s clean, topped off, and ready for the heat ahead.
Engine oil is a must, but also check the condition and level of:
- Coolant (vital for keeping engine temps in check)
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Dirty or discolored fluid is a sign it may be due for a change—not just a top-off.
3. Test the Battery Before Summer Heat Hits
Cold weather weakens batteries, but heat is what usually kills them. High temperatures cause the internal fluid to evaporate faster, especially if your battery is already weak or aging. If yours is more than three years old or has shown signs of hesitation during winter, now is the time to get it tested.
A simple battery check can tell you whether it’s holding a charge and if the connections are clean and tight. Don’t wait until it dies during a summer road trip or family outing.
4. Make Sure the A/C Is Ready for Prime Time
Few things are worse than discovering your air conditioning isn’t working on the first 90-degree day. If your AC is blowing warm air, takes too long to cool down, or has a musty smell, it’s worth getting it checked now.
Issues like low refrigerant, clogged cabin filters, or failing compressors can sneak up fast. An AC system that’s under strain will also pull more power from your engine, lowering fuel efficiency and comfort alike.
5. Inspect Belts and Hoses for Signs of Aging
Rubber components don’t last forever, and spring is a great time to inspect belts and hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear. The serpentine belt powers vital parts like your alternator and AC—if it snaps, you're stuck. Likewise, aging hoses can burst under pressure, causing your engine to overheat.
Don’t wait for a breakdown on a hot day to find out whether these parts need replacement. A quick visual check during an oil change or spring inspection can catch problems early.
6. Rotate Tires and Adjust Pressure
Cold temperatures cause tire pressure to drop, and when the weather warms up, pressure rises again. But if your tires weren’t rotated regularly over the winter, they may have worn unevenly. That affects not only safety but also fuel economy and ride comfort.
Check tread depth, look for cracks or bulges, and ensure the pressure is within the manufacturer’s recommended range. Properly maintained tires will grip better, last longer, and handle heat more effectively.
7. Replace the Cabin Air Filter
As the seasons change, your cabin air filter plays a huge role in your comfort. Pollen, dust, and road debris clog filters fast—especially in spring. A dirty filter reduces airflow, forces your blower motor to work harder, and can leave a musty smell in the cabin.
If you haven’t replaced it in the past 12 months, now’s the time. You’ll breathe easier, your AC will work better, and the interior of your car will smell fresher.
8. Give Your Car a Full Spring Cleaning
Beyond the mechanical care, don’t forget the body and interior of your car. Salt and grime from winter roads accelerate rust—especially around wheel wells, undercarriages, and door jambs. A thorough wash and wax not only protects your paint but also gives you a chance to spot small damage before it gets worse.
Inside, clean the floor mats, vacuum the carpets, and wipe down the dash and vents. A clean car doesn’t just look better—it feels better to drive, especially as you gear up for summer trips.
Tom’s Auto Maintenance – Your Spring Service Pros in Milwaukee, WI
Make sure your vehicle is ready for the road ahead with help from
Tom’s Auto Maintenance in Milwaukee, WI. Whether it’s fluids, filters, belts, or brakes—we’ll inspect every system that matters before the summer heat arrives.