Spring is finally upon us, meaning Opening Day of the baseball season, Mother’s Day, and a plethora of airborne irritants. At long last, it’s time to leave the familiar confines of home behind and embark on outdoor adventures. Of course, before you can do so, you need to make sure your vehicle is in a proper state to get you to your various spring destinations.
Courtesy of Avalon Honda, here’s a handy checklist of what components need inspecting before you put your vehicle back on the road. While they’re listed by approximate order of importance, make no mistake that each is vital to your Honda’s short and long-term health.
1. Battery
Your battery runs a greater risk of depletion during colder months, so the first thing you want to do when the weather warms up is make sure your battery is along for the ride. Although the average car battery lasts between four and five years, it drains at a much higher rate in extreme elements. That makes spring the logical time for a battery diagnosis, so that you can replace it before tourist season begins and your engine starts to cook in the summer heat.
2. Fluids
As surely as you spent the winter throwing back spiced beverages, your vehicle was guzzling through its own fluids. Change your oil if you haven’t done so since last summer, and consider switching your oil’s viscosity to a heavier weight for the warmer weather ahead. Keep your engine oil full to keep your engine protected and functioning normally. Refill your brake fluid, steering fluid, and coolant to their appropriate levels. Lastly, top off the windshield fluid: if not empty, it’s probably nearly spent from combatting sleet, salt, and other winter build up.
3. Tires
Just as batteries are more susceptible to drainage during colder months, your tires stand a greater chance of deflation. For every 10 degrees the temperature drops, your tires could lose a full PSI. If you swapped out for winter tires last year (and kudos if you did), now is the time to transition the switch back to summer tires. If you’re rolling with the same tires, make sure to measure your air pressure pronto. Look for your tires’ recommended PSI levels on the sticker inside your driver’s door and inflate accordingly. Need a new set of wheels for the new year? Look no further than Avalon Honda’s Tire Center.
4. HVAC System
If you had the heat in your car running continuously throughout the winter, that means the same HVAC system that controls your air conditioning hasn’t been taking a vacation. Make sure you have cool air coming out of your vents before it really gets sweltering. Refill your coolant until it reaches its appropriate levels. Lastly, replace your cabin air filter, as it’s likely accumulated a good deal of dust, dirt and debris during the winter.
5. Wiper Blades
Your windshield is often working overtime to maintain visibility during the winter. Between snow, ice, frost, and salt, there’s more than enough to keep your blades occupied. As the rainy spring season approaches, take this time to install a set of well-functioning, seasonally appropriate blades.
Checkmate
If you’ve checked off all five items from your list, congratulations! Your vehicle is officially spring-certified. And if you need help with any part of your checklist, fear not: Avalon Honda’s Service Center has you covered. From tire rotations to oil filter changes, we’re your one-stop shop for all your Honda’s maintenance needs. Schedule your service with us today.
This Easter, hop on down to Avalon Honda; we’ll make sure your Honda is set to deliver you to all the adventures that await you this spring and beyond.
