1. Make sure you can see through the windshield. When’s the last time you replaced your windshield wiper blades? They usually only work effectively for about one year, so be sure to invest in some new ones if it’s been a while. Here’s another important step to take before you find yourself struggling to see in a blinding storm: Fill up your windshield washer reservoir with windshield washer fluid or plain water. Also check to see that your air conditioning is working properly; if not, it may need to be recharged with freon.
2. Check your battery to make sure it will be able to last through the warm weather. Give it a little TLC; this is an ideal time of year to make sure your battery’s posts and connections are corrosion-free and that your battery has all the water it needs. If your battery is more than three years old, have your battery tested its ability to hold a charge.
3. Check your oil level and have it changed regularly. Its so easy and it can help the life of your car year round. Check the oil by looking at the dipstick. The car should be parked on a level surface and the engine should be warm (let it run a few minutes, turn the engine off and check). Get the right kind of oil change. Are you approaching the time for a 30,000-mile full service for your vehicle? If so, don’t procrastinate! Among other things, the service should include an oil change, and the oil used should have the right viscosity, or thickness, for your vehicle at this time of year. Check your owner’s manual for guidance about which oil to use in different climates and temperatures.
4. Examine your belts and hoses. When you have that full service done on your vehicle, make sure the belts and hoses get checked for wear and tear — even if you’re driving a modern car. Hoses are very important for the operation of the engine. The hoses take the coolant through the car to keep the engine cool and the belts run the fan to bring the air in to keep the coolant cold. It is important to have these checked prior to any trip as if a hose breaks or disconnects, your radiator will run dry and the car will overheat and die. Same thing will happen if the belts break.
5. Check your tire pressure. Your tires must be properly inflated to ensure you’ll have the best possible traction as you drive along — and traction is often severely jeopardized in wet conditions. Check them just in case, just to be safe. Again, your trusty owner’s manual will tell you what your target tire pressure should be.
6. Check you Radiator & Coolant level. It is important that the coolant in it that keeps the engine from overheating. If you have to add to the coolant level, it is okay to add plain water as there is no danger of it freezing. You should first check that there are no leaks in the radiator – just look under the parked car for any puddles where the radiator is.
