Which Services Your Car Needs for Each Season

The Importance of Servicing Your Vehicle

It is imperative to prioritize routine maintenance throughout the year, regardless of the season. Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections help keep your vehicle running smoothly and reliably while potentially helping you avoid more costly repairs in the future.

With that said, the specific services a vehicle requires for each season vary depending on several factors, including driving habits and regional climate and weather conditions. Also, it’s essential to consider the type of vehicle, as trucks, sedans, and SUVs are all designed to handle the roads differently. However, depending on the season, some general guidelines exist on which services may take priority over others.

Spring & Summer

In anticipation of the warmer months, you should have a few things in mind. Warmer temperatures affect your vehicle differently and can cause some systems to work harder than in the cooler months, such as your engine cooling system. When considering services, you can start with simple recommended services like replacing wiper blades; as we all know, “April showers” are bound to bring plenty of precipitation, so having new wiper blades will prepare you for the rainy season.

Air conditioning will be a top priority as we move into the summer months, too. That’s why ensuring all climate control systems are working correctly, so you won’t get caught driving in the blistering heat with no relief, is paramount. Test your A/C system early in the spring so you can become aware of any issues before it gets too hot to bear outside and before the rush of A/C repair appointments begins.

Spring and summer also tend to come with winds that kick up dirt and dust into the air, causing your engine air filter and cabin air filter to put in additional work. So even if you’re still within the recommended replacement schedule for your vehicle, getting an additional check for your air filters to ensure they’re functioning properly wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Fall & Winter

When it comes to the cooler months, you’ll want to ensure your car’s heating system is working correctly. Again, it’s best to test this system early in the season to address any issue before you really need it; you’d surely rather not get stuck in a cold car.

During the frigid temperatures of the winter months, many drivers idle their engines before getting in their car to warm the car before their departure. While this can significantly benefit your comfort during your drive, it may also contribute to fuel contamination in your engine oil. When a car’s engine is cold, fuel has a harder time burning completely, so the vehicle’s computer will automatically compensate for this and supply more fuel as the car warms up. Since not all the fuel is necessarily burnt in the process, some may make it past the cylinder rings and into the engine oil. Gasoline is a solvent, effectively serving the opposite purpose of your engine oil. Some slight fuel contamination is normal, but excess fuel contamination of a vehicle’s engine oil can reduce the oil’s lubricity (the ability to lubricate) and cause excessive engine wear.

Also, on the topic of fuel, condensation in your vehicle’s fuel system can be of increasing concern in the cooler months. Moisture in the fuel system can lead to corrosion and other issues, so a fuel service can help your car’s performance if you notice it begins to sputter or run roughly.

You’ll also want to have tires with plenty of tread depth for the colder months, and in some cases, you may want to swap them out for snow tires to deal with snow, ice, and sleet easier. Freezing temperatures can also strain your car battery, so be sure to get your car battery tested before it goes flat.

Castle Autoplex McHenry—Your Primary Source for Superior Car Service

So, depending on the season, some car services might be more beneficial than others. However, no matter the season, it’s always wise to keep your vehicle well-maintained so that it can continue serving you reliably for many years to come.

You can rely on Castle Autoplex McHenry as your primary source for premium parts, repair, maintenance, and service work. So, whether you’re prepping for the warmer months with an air conditioning system repair or replacement or are interested in outfitting your vehicle with snow tires to tackle wintry weather, we’ve got you covered. So, please call or contact us online to schedule your service appointment today!

Sources:
www.castleautoplexmchenry.com