8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

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What to inspect on the vehicle after winter

by | Mar 24, 2014 | Auto Repair, Car Care Tips, General Car Maintenance

With spring right around the corner, now is a good time to bring your vehicle in. We can inspect the vehicle for any issues or problems the winter may have caused it. It is recommended to bring the vehicle in for a maintenance inspection. This way we can look for any potential issues that the vehicle might have. Noticing and fixing an issue early on can help reduce the chance of a more serious issue from forming. It can also reduce a costly repair bill when it is fixing. If you ever notice anything out of the norm for the vehicle between visits, make sure to bring it in as soon as possible.

The Tires should be checked

One of the most important things to inspect is the tires. After the heavy and constant snow and ice, the tires might need to be replaced if they are older. If you have snow tires on, make sure they are removed for the spring and summer. This is hard on them, and can also decrease the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. Check the tread of the tires as well. If the tread has worn out or has become uneven, it may be time for a new set of tires. It may also be time to rotate the tires on your vehicle. By making sure to rotate the tires on a regular basis, the life of them can be extended.

Inspect the exterior of the vehicle

Since the vehicle drives through a lot of sand and salt in the winter, make sure to check underneath it. There could be corrosion or salt build up from the winter driving. Also make sure to check around the bumpers of the vehicle, as there can be a build up of salt here as well. Also check for signs of rust or rust spots on the vehicle. This should be done for the entire vehicle. The vehicle should be washed to ensure all of the build up of salt or sand is removed. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can look for any signs of rust or corrosion for you.

Check the condition the Brakes are in

The brakes should also be examined after the winter. Make sure to notice any noises you might hear from the brake system. This could include grinding, chattering, or squealing noises. Even if they make a small amount of noise, it is important to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible. This can help to prevent an issue with the brake pads or brake rotors. It could also help to reduce the chance of a costly repair bill in the future. The brakes are an important safety part, so it is essential to keep them in the best condition possible.

The windshield wiper blades should be replaced if needed

The windshield wipers are another part that should be inspected. The cold temperatures can be hard on the rubber blades. Through the winter, they may start to rip and tear. Since good wipers are important to improve the visibility, they should be replaced if they are damaged.