You made it through the winter, so now it’s smooth-sailing for you and your car through spring and summer, right? Before you head out on the road, however, make sure your car is ready, too. Taking the time to do spring maintenance on your Toyota will help make sure you get to your vacation destinations without any problems.
Here’s a list of maintenance items for your Toyota once spring hits.
Wash the Outside
The sand and salt used on winter roads take a toll on your vehicle’s exterior. Once all the snow and ice is gone, take the time to thoroughly clean the entire car from top to bottom. This is also a great time to add coat of wax to help protect the paint.
Inspect the Tires
If you live in an area where you don’t need winter tires, have them inspected for wear and tear. Check the depth of the tread and for any uneven wear. Also check the tire pressure to make sure it is correct. If you live up north and use snow tires, spring is the time to change back to your all-weather tires.
Check the Brakes
Unless you know your way around the brake system, the best way to have them checked is by a Toyota professional. They will evaluate the wear on the pads and the discs for rough spots. If the pads are too thin or the discs are showing too much wear, have them change the brakes right away.
Flush and Top Off the Fluids
Spring is a great time to check and flush the fluids in your vehicle. The owner’s manual provides you with a recommended service schedule so you can plan ahead. Have your mechanic check the oil, the transmission fluid, and the brake fluid and top off or change what is needed.
Check the Air Conditioning
Once spring hits, that means summer is right around the corner, so make sure your car is ready to keep you cool. Make sure the air conditioning coolant is full, and have a mechanic check the system for any possible leaks. Then when that first blistering hot day hits, you know your car will be able to cool things down.
Inspect the Windshield Wipers
The winter weather can take a toll on your windshield wipers, too. To make sure you have good visibility when the first spring rainstorm rolls in, check the wipers for cracks and decay. If needed, replace the wipers with a new set, and top off the washer fluid to replace what you used during the winter.
Check the Battery
Salt can also increase the risk of corrosion on the connections leading to and from the car battery. Check all the posts to make sure they are clean. If needed, disconnect the battery and use a solution to clean the battery posts before reconnecting the cables.
Now that you have thoroughly completed a springtime inspection of your Toyota, you and your vehicle are ready for your warm weather adventures.
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