Spring Car Care Checklist

Winter can be tough on your car, especially if you drive through snow, road salt, potholes and freezing temperatures. Spring is a great time to catch problems early and get ready for warmer weather and road trips. Here's a practical checklist you can work through in an afternoon or bring to your mechanic.

Wash the car, including underneath

Road salt and de-icing chemicals can speed up rust and corrosion. Give the car a thorough wash, including:

• The undercarriage, wheel wells and rocker panels
• Brake and fuel line areas, if visible
• The inside of the door jambs

Many car washes offer an underbody spray. While you're at it, clean the interior and remove salt residue from floor mats.

Check your tires

Cold weather and potholes are hard on tires.

1. Check tire pressure once the weather warms up. Pressure changes with temperature. Use the numbers on the sticker inside the driver's door jamb, not the maximum on the tire sidewall.
2. Check tread depth. A tread depth gauge is inexpensive, or use the penny test as a rough check.
3. Look for damage like bulges, cuts or nails.
4. Swap winter tires back to all-season or summer tires once temperatures stay mild.
5. Rotate tires if you're due.

If your car pulls to one side or the steering wheel is off-center, have the alignment checked. Potholes can knock it out of spec.

Inspect brakes

Salt and moisture can affect brake components. Listen for squealing, grinding or scraping, and pay attention to a soft brake pedal or vibration when stopping. Have a mechanic inspect the pads, rotors and brake lines if you notice anything unusual. Our brakes coverage page explains which brake parts service contracts often include.

Check fluids

• Engine oil. Change it if you're due or close.
• Coolant. Check the level when the engine is cold.
• Brake fluid. Check the level and condition.
• Power steering fluid, if your car uses it.
• Washer fluid. Refill with a fluid suited to spring bugs and pollen.
• Transmission fluid. Follow your owner's manual schedule.

Replace wipers and check lights

Winter ice can damage wiper blades. Replace them if they streak, skip or chatter. Then walk around the car and check all lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.

Test the air conditioning

Turn on the AC before the first hot day. If it blows warm air, makes noise, or smells musty, have it checked. AC problems are easier to schedule in spring than during a summer heat wave. Our auto air conditioning coverage page covers how plans often handle AC repairs.

Also replace the cabin air filter if it's due. It helps with airflow and can reduce pollen inside the car.

Look at the battery

Cold weather drains batteries, and a weak battery may fail as temperatures swing. Many auto parts stores and shops will test your battery. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and make sure the connections are tight.

Check suspension and steering

Pothole season can damage shocks, struts, tie rods and ball joints. Watch for:

• Clunking over bumps
• Excess bouncing
• Uneven tire wear
• Wandering on the highway

Have a mechanic look at these parts if you notice any of these signs.

Restock your emergency kit

Swap winter items like ice scrapers and heavy blankets for spring and summer basics:

• Water bottles
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables or a portable jump starter
• Phone charger

Review your coverage

Spring is a good time to check where your car stands on its factory warranty and any service contract. Note the expiration dates and mileage limits, and confirm what your plan requires for maintenance. Keep receipts from your spring service in one place.

How Warranty Wizards can help

We help you compare plans from third-party providers and explain what each one covers before you buy. If your factory coverage is ending soon, get a free quote to see your options.