As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, spring is the perfect time to get some tasks done that you may have neglected during the winter season. A tuneup for your car should be included on your spring checklist. Below, the team at Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair Inc., share a few things that should be done for all your vehicles every spring in Kalispell, MT.

Important Spring Tuneup Tasks

1. Exterior

The winter season is tough on your exterior, and not just because of the harsher elements. Your community likely puts salt on the road to help melt the ice and snow, which your tires kick up onto your undercarriage and the sides of the vehicle. That salt can cause corrosion if it’s left on the exterior. Take your car in for a thorough wash, and check that the wash also targets your undercarriage and rims.

2. Oil & Fluids

If it’s been 3,000 to 5,000 miles since your last oil change, then it’s time to have it done again. Take this opportunity to top off your fluids as well, such as brake fluid, window washing fluid, and coolant. This is also a good time to flush your transmission fluid. This is something many vehicle owners forget about, and it is a costly mistake, since repairing a transmission is very expensive.

3. Tires

Check your tire pressure and fill them as necessary to maintain the recommended PSI on your tire wall. Check the treads with a penny as well. Place it upside down against the side of the tire, and if the tread does not reach the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, then it is worn too low, and you need new tires.

 If your tires need to be rotated—this should be done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles—then do this now. A front wheel drive vehicle should have the front tires put on the rear on the same sides, and the rear ones moved forward and switched sides. A rear-wheel drive requires the opposite with the front tires switching sizes and the rear tires staying on the same sides.

To make the most of your tuneup, have the technicians at Kalispell Alignment & Auto Repair Inc., handle it for you. They are ASE—certified and have more than 25 years of experience to easily handle everything from a tire alignment to a full engine replacement. Contact them at (406) 755-0234 to schedule your appointment.