Considering that we get down into the teens here in Flagstaff, Arizona in the winter, this time of year can be incredibly difficult on your automobile. Whether you drive a car, truck, or small or large utility vehicle, now is the perfect time for University Auto Repair to give your vehicle the once-over to make sure winter didn’t take a toll. Let’s talk about vehicle maintenance that is perfect this time of year.
Air Conditioning System
We may get cold in the winter but we also get warm in the summer. We don’t get anywhere near as hot as cities to the south of us do, but you’ll still want your car’s air conditioner when the temperatures get into the 80s. Schedule a spring maintenance visit to give us a chance to inspect your A/C system and service or repair it if necessary.
Battery
When the temperatures get below freezing, which is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, your battery loses 30 percent of its power. This is why car batteries die more easily in the winter than they do during any other time of the year. Spring is the perfect time for a battery test to make sure that you don’t end up with a dead battery now.
Belts and Hoses
Winter is also hard on the belts and hoses, as the cold weather causes them to expand and contract depending on your engine’s temperature. This wears the material down and increases the risk of the belts and hoses breaking or cracking. An annual belt and hose check allows us to make sure winter didn’t cause any damage to these crucial engine parts.
Filters and Fluids
Now is a good time for us to check your filters and fluids, as well. Specifically, your air filter needs to be changed if you’ve driven 12,000 miles since the last one. It’s also a good idea to check fluids such as your engine coolant to make sure that it does not need to be flushed and refilled before the summer warmth hits.
Oil Change
Another fluid and filter change that is perfect in the spring is an oil change. This gives us a chance to refresh the oil that is dirty from its winter job and also replace the filter that is likely clogged with sediment. Winter can be hard on motor oil, especially conventional oil, so it’s a good idea to have it changed now.
Tires
Why not have your tires rotated and the tread inspected to make sure that it is wearing down evenly. If you are driving on bald tires, it’s a good idea to replace them now so you can maintain your grip on the road during spring showers. If your vehicle is vibrating the faster you go, the wheels need to be balanced. They should also be aligned if it’s been two years since your last alignment.
Finally, be prepared for spring showers with new wiper blades that aren’t separated or frayed. We can take care of all of this here at University Auto Repair in Flagstaff, AZ, so give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
