How to Tune Your Car for Spring

You’ve probably heard of spring cleaning for your home, but you should also spring clean your car as well. As warmer weather arrives, it is beneficial to perform a spring tune-up. There are a few simple steps you can do to ensure your vehicle is ready for the upcoming months. Learn how to tune your car for spring below as well as the signs your car needs a tune-up.

Car Spring Tune Up Checklist

1. Wash Your Car

The first step to spring clean your car is to visit the local car wash. Winter months can be quite harsh on your vehicle thanks to freezing temperatures, road salt, and more. To make sure nothing has been missed, opt for a premium car wash if you can. If you prefer to wash your car at home, add baking soda to the wash water to help remove any lingering road salt. This will help neutralize the salt and preserve your exterior paint.

2. Inspect Your Tires

Properly inflated tires can actually save you money! Keeping the tire pressure regulated makes it easier to conserve gasoline. Cold winter weather can cause fluctuations in tire pressure, so spring is the perfect time to ensure that your tires are inflated to the recommended level. It is also important to rotate your tires on a regular basis and to check for tread wear. If your tires are not at the recommended tread level, they should be replaced as soon as possible.

3. Replace Wiper Blades and Fluids

Snow can also be harsh on your windshield wipers, and you may have recently noticed streaks when driving in inclement weather. If this is the case, you should replace your wiper blades right away. Remember to also top off your windshield wiper fluid and reapply any needed windshield treatments to repel water and rain.

4. Check the Battery

To prevent future problems down the road, another important component of a spring tune-up is evaluating your car’s electrical system. See how strong your battery is, and if it has weakened significantly, you may want to proactively replace the battery. You do not want to be stranded on the roads of Arlington or Washington DC with a dead battery.

5. Perform an Oil Change

Motor oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, so keeping up with regular oil changes is a must. Follow manufacturer guidelines for oil change intervals and oil viscosity for optimal performance. Remember to also change the oil filter.

Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up

Now that you know how to tune your car for spring, what are the signs your car needs a tune-up?

• You notice unusual noises
• The car stalls
• Your car accelerates slowly
• The engine misfires
• You notice unusual vibrations
• Dashboard warning lights are illuminated
• Your notice decreased fuel economy

Spring Clean Your Car with Alexandria Volkswagen

The team at Alexandria Volkswagen is here to help with your spring tune-up. Contact us today if you have any questions, or you can set up your service appointment online.