Spring in Powell River means longer days, warmer temperatures, and more opportunities to get out on the road. But after months of cold temperatures, heavy rain, potholes, winter driving, and trips through less-than-perfect road conditions, your vehicle may be ready for some attention too.
A little preventative maintenance in the spring can help catch problems early, improve performance, and get your vehicle ready for the driving season ahead.
1. Check Your Tires
Start with the four things connecting your vehicle to the road.
Check your tires for uneven wear, cracking, damage, and adequate tread depth. Tire pressure should also be checked, as temperature changes can affect inflation.
If you've been running dedicated winter tires, spring is also the time to think about switching to your warm-weather set once winter conditions have passed.
Not sure what you need? Aero Services can help you compare all-season, all-weather, winter, and other tire options based on your vehicle and how you drive.
2. Have Your Wheel Alignment Checked
Potholes, curbs, rough roads, and winter driving can all affect your vehicle's alignment.
Common signs of an alignment problem include:
- Your vehicle pulling left or right
- An off-centre steering wheel
- Uneven or rapid tire wear
- Changes in steering or handling
Correct alignment can improve handling while helping you get more life from your tires.
3. Inspect Your Brakes
Your brakes work hard year-round.
Spring is a good opportunity to have your brake pads, rotors, and related components inspected—especially if you've noticed squeaking, grinding, vibration, reduced braking performance, or changes in pedal feel.
4. Check Your Oil & Fluids
Check your engine oil and make sure your vehicle is up to date on its recommended oil-change schedule.
Spring is also a good time to inspect other important fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid where applicable.
5. Inspect Your Wipers & Lights
Powell River drivers are no strangers to rain.
If your wipers are streaking, skipping, cracking, or leaving portions of your windshield uncleared, replacing them can make a significant difference in visibility.
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and other exterior lighting at the same time.
6. Check Your A/C
Don't wait for the first hot day of summer to discover your air conditioning isn't working properly.
Testing the system in spring gives you time to address weak airflow, unusual smells, warm air, or other problems before temperatures rise.
7. Look Under the Hood
Belts, hoses, the cooling system, battery connections, and other components can all benefit from a visual inspection.
Small problems caught now may help prevent bigger problems later.
Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring
Whether your spring plans involve commuting around Powell River, highway trips, towing, camping, or exploring local backroads, a properly maintained vehicle makes the journey a lot easier.
Aero Services can help with tires, oil changes, brakes, wheel alignments, diagnostics, cooling systems, steering and suspension, and more.