Seasonal Car Care Tips to Keep You Rolling

It’s almost that time of year—temperatures are on the rise, and that means you can finally get outside on a regular basis again. But a change of season also means it’s time to make sure you’ve done the work to transition your car from winter to spring. And that doesn’t mean just moving your ice scraper to the trunk. From your car battery to an oil change, here’s your maintenance to-do list!

Clean your car of salt and sand

After driving through salt and sand on icy roads all winter long for those in northern climes, it’s time for a car wash. Did you know the sand and salt used to protect the roads can damage your paint when it sticks on your car? Now that the weather is warming up and the roads are clear, give your car a good wash to keep your paint looking new.

Salt and sand can also damage parts in the undercarriage and under the hood of your vehicle. Be sure to pay special attention to these spots and wipe down all the salt and sand that snuck its way inside your car to avoid any accidental damage.

Take a look under the hood

After a good wash, pop open your hood and make sure your wiper fluid, brake fluid, radiator fluid, and power steering fluid are all at good levels. You should check your transmission fluid, too, but depending on the type of car you have, you may need to have a mechanic take a look.

Next, see if you need to add coolant to your car for your air conditioning and check your air filter to ensure it is clean. Nothing’s worse than being stuck in a hot car once the weather warms up!

Replace your wiper blades

The snow and ice can be tough on your windshield wipers, so evaluate your blades to determine if they need to be replaced. Prepare for those spring showers with good quality wiper blades.

Check your tires

Cold weather can cause the air pressure in your tires to go down. Check your tires to make sure they’re properly inflated and the tread depth is in good shape to carry your car into the warmer months of spring. You’re likely to put more miles on, so you want to be prepared – and proper inflation can improve your gas mileage.

Winter also comes with potholes and hazardous road conditions that can throw your tires out of alignment. Driving with your tires out of alignment can lead to more problems with your car down the road. Set an appointment at an auto shop or a local mechanic in your area to get your tires checked and rotated and to ensure your wheel alignment is in order. A good rule of thumb is to do this about every 6,000–8,000 miles.

While you’re at it, give that spare tire a check too!

Take your vehicle into the shop

Sometimes, it’s a good idea to leave your vehicle maintenance to the professionals. If you’re not sure what you need to do to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape, then take it to your local repair shop. The mechanics will know what to check and how to fix anything that your car may need including the change of your oil filter.

Clean out your car

During winter, items tend to pile up in our cars. Maybe it’s just too cold to carry things into the house, so we just leave them in the trunk or the backseat—or even in the cupholder. We’ve all been there! Now that the temperature is warming up, add cleaning out the car to your spring to-do list.

Evaluate your auto insurance

Take a look at your current auto insurance plan to make sure you have the coverage you need to be fully prepared for the road ahead. Want information on more ways to save on auto insurance? Visit the Dairyland® insurance website to see all of the ways you can save.

Create a routine

Creating a routine when your dog rides in the car can help minimize confusion, create efficiencies, and maximize safety. Not only for your dog—but for everyone in and around your vehicle. Here are some things to do each time you ride with your dog:

Assign a seat: While it seems fun to adventure with your dog in your front seats, it’s best to assign a special place for your dog in the back half of your vehicle. This protects your dog from driver/passenger side air bag injuries and protects you from distractions.
Secure doors: If your vehicle doors don’t auto lock when you put your car in drive, make sure you lock them. This is especially important if your dog isn’t traveling in an enclosure within your vehicle. With the doors locked, your dog can’t accidentally open them and get hurt.
Check windows: Your dog might love riding with the wind in their face. If that’s the case, be sure to maintain a safe opening that doesn’t allow room to jump out if they’re not restrained. If your car has window-locking capabilities, lock them in place.

Secure your dog

If your dog’s like most, they’ll want to be glued to your side. So, sitting Lucy in the back seat and telling her to stay may not work. Here are some inexpensive gear options to help protect you and your dog by securing her in a specific location in your car:

Crate: You might already have a dog crate in your home. Use the crate in your car to keep your dog from roaming around. If your dog is anxious about traveling in the car, the crate—because it’s familiar—can also provide comfort.
Mesh divider: If your dog’s crate is too big and clunky, a movable, mesh divider is an easy option for creating a barrier between the front and back half of your car.
Doggy seat belt: Several types of restraints specifically designed for helping keep dogs safe are available. These attach your dog’s collar, harness, or other equipment to a seatbelt in your car to ensure your dog stays in one spot.

These tips not only help to keep you and your dog safe while riding in the car, they help to build a greater foundation of trust and love between you and your furry family member. Now you’re all set to drive to your dog’s favorite sniffing spot, a doggy play date, or a fun pet store to honor your dog during National Dog Week. Stay safe and enjoy the celebration!