Winter weather can be tough on your vehicle, making the engine work harder in cold weather than it is used to the rest of the year. Winters can be particularly harsh up north, making auto repair in St. Paul, MN a little different than it might be further south. A post-Winter tune up is especially important here where the Winters are long and harsh.
Avoid Dangers
With icy roads on the way out, as Spring rolls in you may feel safer driving on the roads, but the damage done to your car by Winter may cause the opposite effect. Damaged tires, worn belts, and low fluids can cause you to break down, leaving you stranded or potentially even causing a wreck. Many people plan vacations for spring break, so if you are planning to travel you definitely want to be sure that your vehicle is as safe as possible. A post-Winter tune up can also improve your vehicle’s gas mileage, which can save you quite a lot of money as gas prices go up going into Summer.
Fluids
One of the most important things to get checked during a post-Winter tune up is the fluid levels in your vehicle. Your mechanic should check transmission fluid and oil levels, and also check for any leaks in seals, valves, and lines. The radiator and gas caps should be checked for a good seal to make sure you are not losing any fluids there. Low or leaking fluids can lead to locked up engines, thrown rods, or damaged transmissions, all costly fixes. A tune up can help you avoid these damages and keep your vehicle running smoothly. It is also important to make sure you are using the correct oil; some oils function better in hot weather than others, so making sure the right oil is in your car can help it run more efficiently.
Air Conditioning
With warmer weather on the way, getting your air conditioning checked is an important part of the post-Winter tune up that should not be neglected, for the sake of your own comfort. The repair technician should check the compressor belt for any damage or wear, and should check the refrigerant and recharge it if needed.
Belts and Hoses
Winter weather can be tough on your belts and hoses, potentially making them brittle and eventually causing them to break or crack, especially once the weather starts to warm up again. Ask your technician to check them as part of your post-Winter tune up to ensure that broken belts or leaky hoses will not slow you down. Also consider checking your wipers; icy windshields can do a number on them over the winter months, so if you find that they leave streaks when it rains, replace them.
Brakes
The variation of freezing and thawing temps can potentially do harm to your brakes; the brake lines and even the brake pads can sustain damage after a long Winter of freezing temperatures. If water gets in a tiny fissure in a brake pad and freezes, a miniscule crack can become a large problem when the water freezes and expands. Getting your brakes checked as part of your post-Winter tune up can help ensure your safety while driving.