Spring Checklist For Your Vehicle

As the weather starts to get warmer, it's important to make sure your car is ready for the change in temperature as it plays a significant role in how your vehicle operates. Especially for the internal parts of your car like the engine and battery.

For example, a car battery typically lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 years. The lifespan of your battery can change based on your driving behaviors and environmental factors, and higher temperatures can cut your battery's lifespan in half!

Without proactively checking on the components that are most affected by changes in the weather, like your battery, you might find yourself stranded or even get in an accident.

To keep you safe and sound this spring season, we created a list of the most important components of your car that may be affected by the temperature changes. As you read our recommendations, don't forget that our skilled mobile technicians are here to help!

Book a mobile oil change, battery replacement, or even a brake inspection at your home or office by clicking the button at the top of the screen. Then you will get the peace of mind you need to take on spring with full confidence.

Spring Maintenance Checklist Recommendations

When examining your car, it should be noted that some of the tasks on this list can be done yourself but if you don't feel up for the task, Wrench is more than happy with helping out. Our mechanics are qualified to the industry standard and come to you, whether that's your home, office, or an area near you.

✔️ Car Battery

Car batteries work best at 77 degrees Fahrenheit. For every 15 degrees over 77 degrees Fahrenheit, your car's battery life will be cut in HALF!

This happens because the heat can speed up the erosion process.

It's important to note that your engine will quickly warm up every component under the hood over time, this will eventually cause corrosion to happen sooner and ultimately reduce the lifespan of the battery.

You can catch this problem before it gets worse by having your battery tested with a multimeter to determine if it's functioning properly or needs replacement.

✔️ Tires

Your tires should last 36,000 to 75,000 miles, but this can vary depending on your driving behaviors and the environment. With the average person driving about 14,000 miles a year, that's about 5 years before tires need replacing.

Even if tires haven't reached that mileage, you should still frequently check your tire pressure.  

If you know how to check the tire's tread depth, anything lower than 2/32 of an inch will signify its time for a new set. If the depth of your tire tread varies between all four tires, we recommend getting your tires inspected.
   
Our mobile technicians are limited with tire replacements and services, but don't worry! Wrench has now partnered with Firestone Complete Auto Care in Seattle, Sacramento, and Phoenix.

We recommend taking your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care for new tires, they have all the tools and experience to ensure customer satisfaction.

✔️ Change Fluids

One of the most important components to keeping your car on the road is the oil and coolant.

We highly recommend having your fluids changed since running your vehicle on old oil or coolant can speed up the process of corrosion and other engine issues. With a build-up of contaminants such as dirt and other debris getting into the fluids, they start to lose their properties over time.

Coolant, also known as antifreeze, helps regulate the temperature under the hood. As the temperature outside begins to increase, it is important to ensure that your coolant is doing its job properly. We recommend getting your coolant changed every 30,000 miles, but it is always a good idea to have your mechanic top it off in preparation for the spring season.

Your engine oil is another fluid to keep an eye on as we move into spring. Depending on when you last changed your oil, it might be time to do it again! We recommend changing your oil every 6 months or 3,000 - 6,000 miles.

If you aren't due for an oil change just yet, we still suggest checking your oil to ensure that there isn't any dirt or discoloration in the oil.

✔️ Inspect your AC Unit

Spring weather can be full of surprises! One day may be full of rain, hail, or even snow. The very next day could be 80 degrees and sunny. That is why it is important to ensure that your AC system is operating properly before the heat kicks in.

There are many causes of a broken AC system. You could have a clogged filter, leaks, compressor issues, cooling fan issues, radiator problems, or you may just need to have your AC system recharged!

Our mobile mechanics can come right to your home, office, or any other preferred location to diagnose your AC system before it gets to0 hot to ignore the problem.

✔️ Change Your Air Filters

While you are inspecting your AC unit to make sure your car will be able to cool you down when you need it, you should also check your air filters.

A clogged engine air filter can contribute to AC issues, but even if your air filter isn't causing those problems, it is always a good idea to take a look. Your air filter's role is to block debris such as dust, sand, insects, or other particles on the road from reaching your engine. That can leave your air filter very dirty, and if you forget to have it changed regularly, it can end up blocking airflow altogether.

Both engine air filters and your cabin air filters are one of the most forgotten parts of car maintenance.

Want to know what a dirty air filter looks like? Take a look at the picture below!

If your air filters look like the one on the right, you need to get them replaced!

Summer is right around the corner! Make sure you are up-to-date on your vehicle's maintenance schedule because delaying these routine services could end up costing you more in the long run. Cars are fantastic because they can get us to where we need to go, but if you don't show some love to your vehicle, you'll start to notice the degrading performance -and may even end up with a broken-down car.

Taking care of your spring maintenance services with Wrench will save you time and frustration by having our ASE-certified mobile mechanics maintain your vehicle for you. It's as simple as clicking on the button below and booking an appointment today!

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