Spring Car Maintenance Checklist: Get Your Vehicle Ready for Warmer Weather

Winter is tough on vehicles — cold temperatures, road salt, and short-trip driving all take a toll. Spring is the perfect time to give your car or truck the attention it needs before the heat of summer arrives. Here's what to check.

Ignition System

If you're due for a tune-up, spring is the ideal time. Fresh spark plugs improve throttle response, fuel economy, and cold starts. Check your mileage against your plug replacement interval.

Oil and Filters

If you're getting to the end of your oil change interval, spring is a great time to refresh. Replace the oil filter with every oil change. A clean air filter also restores power and fuel economy.

Battery Check

Batteries that struggled through the cold often don't recover fully. Have yours load-tested at any auto parts store — most do it free. A battery showing less than 70% capacity should be replaced before summer heat further degrades it.

Tires

Check tire pressure — it drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature, so winter likely left your tires slightly underinflated. Also inspect tread depth and look for uneven wear that could indicate alignment issues.

Brakes

Road salt accelerates brake rotor rust. Spring is a good time to have your brakes inspected and confirm pad thickness is adequate for summer driving demands.

Fluids

Check coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Top off as needed. If coolant hasn't been changed in 5 years, consider a flush.

Shop all your spring maintenance parts at Texan Supply with free shipping.