“Warm enough to drive with the windows down” is a relative phrase. After our prolonged winter of discontent, most drivers have such a strong case of spring fever that all it takes is some sunshine and a temperature of plus 5 to see elbows on door window sills. But if this endless deep freeze has taken its toll on your mind, spirit, and body, what do you think it’s done to your daily driver? Auto repair facilities are loading up the ads for spring service specials faster than a spring run-off, but here are a few things the average do-it-yourselfer can complete at home.
1. Swap out the winter tires (great DIY project if the tires are already mounted on rims). Make sure to clean off any rust build-up on the wheel hubs where the rim’s centre hole makes contact (a sanding wheel attachment on a power drill is perfect for this task). A light coating of copper-based lubricant on this area is also a great idea. Just a little rust here can mean you’ll never get the wheel off during a roadside flat changeover. If this is the second year for your mounted summer tires, consider having them balanced before reinstalling them. It’s an easy and inexpensive way to ensure a smooth vibration-free ride.
Changing your winter tires over to your summer rubbers is an easy do-it-yourself task – if your tires are on rims, that is.
Supplied, Driving
2. Inspect the brakes. While the wheels are off, take a look at the brakes and in particular the metal frames that the disc pads move back and forth on. Winter salt will take its toll on these adapter/frames and if they aren’t cleaned and properly lubricated they can cause premature brake pad wear. Unless you’re experienced, this type of service is best left to the pros.
3. Clean the interior. When working on salt stains on the floor carpet, remember a lot of carmakers love to locate wiring and electronics under there, so excessive moisture is a no-no. A warm water/vinegar mix or hand-held steamer and a stiff nylon brush can get rid of stubborn stains. Blot up extra moisture with a towel. If the carpets are still damp after months of winter slush, remove the door sill trims and lift the carpet high enough to put a small brick under it to let it air dry overnight. Don’t forget to treat door seals with some silicone lubricating compound to restore them after a long dry winter.
4. Check the air filters. Winter driving can do a number on both the engine and cabin air filters. Getting the engine air filter swapped out means better fuel mileage and dropping a clean cabin air filter in (if equipped) means goodbye to musty odors.
5. Flush the salt. When doing an exterior wash, give the undercarriage a thorough spraying to get as much salt out of all the nooks and crevices as possible. When washing your chariot at home, consider parking the car on a gravel surface or the lawn to reduce any harmful run-off from getting into storm drains. Phosphate-free biodegradable carwash soap is also easier on the environment.
Now is also a good time to inspect your car’s brakes.
Bartlomiej Szewczyk, Fotolia.com
6. Enjoy the view. Wiper blades, even the best type, are usually due for replacement after a long frozen winter. Blades are specified by their length in inches, so take a quick measurement before heading to the parts store. Round up to the nearest inch if your blades are a fraction over a whole inch.
7. Lose some weight. Spring is a good time to put your vehicle on a diet. Purge the trunk or cargo area of all that winter gear. Extra weight just means more fuel consumed.
While wheel alignment inspections aren’t a DIY project, they are a great idea for any vehicle that’s over two years old and has gone through a tough winter or two. Those curb hits caused by icy conditions and pothole impacts can change the steering geometry of even the toughest vehicles. Left unattended, a misaligned front or rear end can accelerate tire wear and even reduce fuel economy. On the drive over to the alignment shop, take the time to listen for any suspension or wheel noises and report these to your service consultant. A few extra rattles or clunks may mean a loose or worn suspension or steering component.
If you have questions or comments on automotive topics you’d like to see here, please send an email to bjoeturner@hotmail.com. Due to volume, direct responses aren’t always possible.
