Your Spring Car Tune-Up Checklist: How to Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Season

By the Mercury Team

Winter can be tough on your car. Freezing temperatures, icy roads, and salt exposure can wear down your tires, drain your battery, and affect your vehicle’s fluids. As the seasons change, your car needs a little extra attention to recover from winter’s impact and prepare for spring’s varying conditions (e.g., rainy weather, fluctuating temperatures, and slick roads.)

In this blog, we’ll provide a spring car tune-up checklist to help you keep your vehicle in top shape, improve safety and efficiency, and avoid costly repairs.

Car Tune-Up Checklist: Essential Maintenance Tasks

A thorough vehicle tune-up now can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns, improve fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your car. To keep things running smoothly, follow this auto tune-up checklist and get your car road-ready for the warmer months ahead.

1. Check and Replace Your Battery

Winter can be tough on your car battery. Cold temperatures slow down the chemical reactions inside, making it harder to start your engine. If your battery was struggling to turn over during winter mornings, now’s the perfect time to test it.

Look out for signs of a weak battery, such as:

• Slow engine cranking
• Dim headlights
• Clicking noises when turning the key
• Frequent need for jump-starts

If your battery is over three years old or showing any of these warning signs, consider replacing it before it leaves you stranded. Most auto parts stores offer free battery testing, so take advantage of that before making a decision.

2. Inspect and Rotate Your Tires

Winter can be brutal on your tires. Potholes, icy roads, and freezing temps all take their toll. Now that the weather’s warming up, it’s time to focus on tire maintenance.

First, check your tire pressure since temperature changes can cause pressure fluctuations. Adjust it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations so you’ll have properly inflated tires that improve fuel efficiency, handling, and overall safety.

Next, take a look at your tread depth. Try the penny test: Stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too worn, and it’s time for new tires.

Lastly, don’t forget to rotate your tires, which means swapping their positions to ensure they wear evenly. While you’re at it, inspect them for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Catching these problems early can save you from a flat tire or tire blowout.

3. Change Your Oil and Check Fluid Levels

Regular oil changes are vital for engine health, as fresh oil lubricates moving parts and reduces friction. Over time, oil breaks down and loses its ability to lubricate engine components, leading to potential overheating and wear.

Spring is also a great time to check other important fluids like coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Keeping these fluids at the right levels ensures your car performs at its best and prevents costly repairs down the road.

4. Replace Worn Wiper Blades and Inspect Lights

Spring showers mean you’ll need wipers that work. If your wipers are streaking, squeaking, or leaving smudges, it’s time to replace them. This is one of the easiest, most affordable car maintenance tasks, but it makes a huge difference in visibility during rainy spring driving.

While you’re at it, check all your exterior lights, like headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. If any bulbs are out, replace them to stay safe on the road and avoid getting pulled over.

5. Examine Brakes and Suspension

Winter driving can be rough on your brakes and suspension. Roads filled with potholes, ice, and salt can cause excessive wear, so a post-winter checkup is essential.

Watch out for these warning signs that your brakes may need attention:

• Squeaking or grinding noises
• A soft or spongy brake pedal
• Vibrations when braking

For suspension issues, pay attention to:

• A rough, bumpy ride
• Uneven tire wear
• The car pulling to one side

If you notice any of these problems, have a mechanic inspect your brake pads, rotors, and suspension components to ensure safe driving.

6. Test Your Air Conditioning System

Spring may still be mild, but summer heat is just around the corner. Now is the perfect time to test your A/C to make sure it’s working properly. Turn it on and check if it’s blowing cold air. If you notice weak airflow, strange smells, or hear unusual noises, there could be an issue with the refrigerant levels or compressor.

How to Tell When Your Car Needs a Spring Tune-Up

Your car has a way of letting you know when something isn’t quite right. You just have to pay attention to the signs. After a long winter, a spring tune-up can help catch minor issues before they turn into expensive problems. Here are some red flags that your car might need maintenance:

• Worsening fuel efficiency: If you’re filling up more often than usual, things like dirty air filters, aging spark plugs, or low tire pressure could be the culprit.
• Slow or struggling start: If your car hesitates or takes multiple tries to start, your battery or ignition system may need attention.
• Strange noises: Knocking, squealing, or clicking sounds can point to worn belts, low fluids, or engine trouble.
• Warning lights on your dashboard: Illuminated dashboard indicators shouldn’t be ignored. They’re telling you something needs to be checked.
• Soft or noisy brakes: If your brakes squeal, grind, or feel spongy, it’s time to get them inspected.

Additional Ways to Save on Spring Car Maintenance

Spring car maintenance costs money, but one way you can offset these expenses is by taking advantage of auto insurance discounts. Here are a few ways to lower your premiums and free up extra cash for car maintenance:

• Bundle your policies: Bundling auto and home insurance under one provider can lead to big savings on your premiums.
• Multi-car discount: If you insure more than one vehicle under the same policy, you may be eligible for a discount. This is especially useful for families with multiple drivers.
• Safe driving: Keeping a clean driving record (no accidents or traffic violations) can make you eligible for lower rates. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who remain accident-free for a certain number of years.
• Anti-theft feature discount: Vehicles equipped with advanced security features may qualify for a discount. These devices help prevent theft, making your car less risky to insure.

Conclusion

Harsh winter months take a toll on your vehicle’s battery, tires, fluids, and overall performance. This spring, use this vehicle tune-up checklist to get your car back in top shape. A little maintenance now can help prevent costly repairs and ensure a safe, smooth ride all season long.

You also want to be covered in case the unexpected happens. Get an auto insurance policy from Mercury for affordable rates, great coverage options, and discounts to help you save while keeping your car protected.

Contact us today for a fast, free quote!