Spring is officially here, meaning Opening Day for the Braves, nearly forgetting Mother’s Day, and a lot of annoying new particles infesting our airspace. And although we (thankfully) don’t need to deal with the aftermath of a harsh winter here in Macon, the start of spring is still a great checkpoint to get your car in gear for the year ahead.
Courtesy of Subaru of Macon, here’s a handy checklist of what components need inspecting before your vehicle is ready for spring’s adventures. While they’re listed by approximate order of importance, make no mistake that each is vital to your vehicle’s short and long-term health.
1. Battery
Your battery runs a greater risk of depletion during extreme weather conditions. So, while our batteries in Macon were spared during the winter months, you still need to prepare for the blistering summer months ahead. Although the average car battery lasts between four and five years, it tends to drain at much higher rates in extreme heat. That makes spring the logical time to diagnose your battery and see if it needs replacing before the summer arrives.
2. Fluids
As surely as you spent the holidays throwing back adult beverages, your vehicle was guzzling its way through its own fluids. Consider an oil change if you haven’t done so since last summer, changing your oil’s viscosity to a heavier weight for the warmer weather ahead. Keep your engine oil full to keep your engine protected and functioning normally. Refill your brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant accordingly. Lastly, top off the windshield fluid; the stormy season approaches, ready to deposit all types of airborne irritants on your windshield.
3. Tires
Since we have the luxury of foregoing winter tires here in Bibb County, it can be easy to lose track of the last time you gaged your tires’ air pressure. Look for your tires’ recommended PSI levels on the sticker inside your driver’s door and inflate accordingly. And just because we aren’t switching between seasonal tires doesn’t mean your vehicle isn’t due for a tire rotation, keeping the tread evenly dispersed for the year ahead. If you’re in the market for a new set of wheels this year, check out our Tire Center.
4. HVAC System
If your air conditioner has been enjoying a hiatus over the past handful of months, now’s the time to confirm it’s still ready to perform. Crank up your AC and make sure you have cool air coming out of your vents before temperatures really start simmering. Refill your coolant until levels are where they should be. Lastly, replace your air filter, as it’s likely accumulated a good deal of dust, dirt and debris since the last time you checked.
5. Wiper Blades
As the rainy season approaches, take this time to install a fresh set of well-functioning wiper blades. Spring storms can develop with little warning, and if you’re stuck on the road when they hit, maintaining visibility is paramount.
Checkmate
If you’ve checked off all five items from your list, congratulations! Your vehicle is officially spring-certified. And if you need help with any part of your checklist, fear not: Subaru of Macon’s Service Center has you covered. Schedule your service with us and let our team of seasoned professionals handle your oil change, tire rotation, or any other maintenance your Subaru requires.
This Easter, hop on down to Subaru of Macon; we’ll make sure your Subaru is prepared for spring’s adventures and beyond.
