Spring maintenance: make your car last longer

The reliability of a car does not depend solely on its build quality. The maintenance over the years has a big role to play in how your vehicle ages.

With the arrival of spring, now is the perfect time to carry out both aesthetic and mechanical maintenance on your car. Here's how.

Spring cleaning

With the salt that has accumulated on the roads during the winter, the body of your vehicle has been exposed to calcium, an element that can promote the appearance of rust. It is therefore very important to carry out a complete wash which will get rid of it for good, or at least until next winter! Washing the cabin is also highly recommended, especially because of the carpets which have accumulated their share of calcium during winter.

Mechanical check

Even if you are not a mechanic, it is possible to perform some basic checks to make sure your vehicle is working properly. Open the hood and start by checking the level of liquids such as engine oil, coolant, etc. Also take a look at the tension of the belts.

Test the battery

Still under the hood, you will find the part that has perhaps been the most tested over winter, the battery. Using a voltmeter, you can measure your battery’s voltage. It should be around 12.6 volts when the engine is stopped. If in doubt, do not hesitate to call a professional.