SPING CAR MAINTENANCE

1.  Check the battery

Ever notice that your car takes an extra second to start up in the winter?  That’s because the cold weather is hard on your starter and alternator.  This requires your battery to pick up the slack and work harder in the winter too, so it’s important to test it now that we’re finally coming into spring.

2.  Check the windshield wipers

People tend not to think about this maintenance necessity until it’s actually raining and they can’t see.  Sound familiar?  Do yourself a favor and replace bad windshield wipers so you don’t get caught in a spring shows unprepared.

3.  Check the brakes

This is something that you don’t want to skip.  Your anti-lock brake system has been working overtime with all the snow and ice this year. If you notice any squeaking or grinding noises as you brake, if it becomes harder to brake (you have to push the pedal down more), or your car pulls to one side or to the other while braking, you need to take your car in for a professional brake check from your trusted auto repair shop right away.

4.  Check air conditioning

You’re going to want that working soon!  Turn it on full blast and make sure that it gets cold relatively quickly.  What people don’t realize is that your car’s AC isn’t just for your comfort.  It also helps cool down your engine in the summer months, so it’s important for it to be in good working order.

5.  Belts and hoses

To determine if you need to replace any belts or hoses, look for cracks, swelling, fraying, or leakage.  If something looks borderline, you should replace it right away because summer’s heat and humidity will likely cause it to fail.

And for all of you do-it-yourselfers, just come into LaCava Brothers for all of your spring maintenance needs.  Whether you need a new battery, windshield wiper blades, brake pads and rotors, Freon, or belts and hoses, we have an extensive inventory always available to you at the best possible price.