A new season means another round of maintenance. Be sure your car is ready for the spring with these spring maintenance tips.

Vehicle Maintenance Tips for Spring

As the winter weather finally gets replaced by sunnier days, prepare your car for a change in the seasons. This will not only ensure your car looks better, it will also help your car perform better for longer. To get started, check out these useful tips.

Test the Battery

A long and cold winter can have serious repercussions on your car's battery. Extremely cold temperatures can cause car batteries to lose their power at a much faster rate because of the added strain they face. Because of this, it's important that you have your battery tested before embarking on any road trips. Most batteries don't give warning when they're close to their end, so having your mechanic test their voltage will help you avoid getting stranded on the road. This is also a good time to ensure your cables are in good state and that the connections are clean and healthy.

Check on the Tires

If you switched over to winter tires during the last season, it is now time to return to your regular tires. Riding around on winter tires during the spring can actually be dangerous because they weren't made for these conditions. The warmer roads can cause them to wear out faster and can reduce their grip on the road. As you change your tires, be sure to also take the time to inspect their tread and condition. If your tires are quite worn or have some damage on them, you may want to consider purchasing new ones. Finally, check the air pressure in order to be sure they're at their ideal pressure.

Get a Synthetic Oil Change

Your vehicle may be in need of an oil change after a rough winter. If this is the case, why not make it a synthetic oil change? A synthetic oil will keep your engine well protected for longer when compared to a conventional oil. It's a great option because not only does it give your engine superior protection, it can also increase your fuel efficiency and extend your oil change intervals, saving you money in the long run. Start your maintenance schedule with a synthetic oil change in Hagerstown. Find the best synthetic oil for your vehicle by contacting ALF Marketing at (301) 416-0575. They can help you find a great oil like AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil, made to give your car the absolute best engine protection.

Top off Your Fluids

Your vehicle's oil may not be the only fluid that needs changing or topping off. While you're taking a look at your oil, be sure to also take a look at how your coolant, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid and transmission fluid are doing. Some of these may need to be drained and replaced while others may just need to be topped off.

Interior Maintenance

Once the technical things are taken care of, it's time to clean up your car. Start by vacuuming the carpets, floor mats, and seats. Next, wipe down the surfaces with a damp washcloth. Keep a trash bag handy so you can dispose of the trash you find in your car. Don't forget to vacuum under the seats; you may even find some items under there that you thought you had lost. Finally, empty out your trunk and store winter items you no longer need to carry around. These can weigh down your car, reducing your gas mileage.

Exterior Maintenance

Once your car's interior is clean, move onto getting its exterior just as clean and shiny. Washing your car isn't just for aesthetic purposes, it can also keep your car well protected from rust and other damage. Start by washing your tires, scrubbing away and build up left on your wheels or hubcaps. Next, focus on your car's body, windows, and headlights. Once you're done washing your car, give it a new coat of wax. Waxing your car will leave it nice and shiny, while also giving it a layer of protection from the sun and rain. If you drove through snow and road salts over the winter, getting your undercarriage washes is also a must. Leaving any of these substances on your undercarriage can result in rust and corrosion.

It's Time for a Synthetic Oil Change in Hagerstown

Give your engine the ultimate protection this spring with a synthetic oil change. To get the best synthetic oil for your vehicle, contact ALF Marketing. Give their experts a call them at (301) 416-0575 or stop by their online shop to find a full range of their products.