A spring car maintenance checklist is worth running through even after a mild Middle Tennessee winter. A few cold snaps, treated roads, potholes and short trips with the heater blasting all leave their mark, and spring brings its own challenges: pollen, heavy rain and the first hot days that put the A/C and cooling system to work. If you would rather have a professional look everything over, our vehicle inspection and diagnostic service covers the major systems in one visit. If you want to start on your own, here is what to check and why.
Tires and wheels
Tire pressure changes with temperature, so a tire that was set on a cold January morning may read differently once the afternoons warm up. Check pressure when the tires are cold, using the number on the sticker inside the driver’s door jamb rather than the maximum printed on the sidewall.
While you are down there, look for uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges or nails. Winter potholes are a common cause of sidewall damage and bent wheels. If the steering wheel sits crooked when you drive straight, or the car drifts on a level road, it may be time to have the alignment and tires checked. Spring is also a natural point to rotate tires if you are due.
Wipers, washer fluid and lights
Spring storms in the Nashville area can turn from drizzle to a downpour quickly. Run your wipers on a wet windshield and watch for streaks, skipping or chattering. Top off the washer reservoir, because pollen and road film build up fast this time of year.
Walk around the car with the headlights, brake lights and turn signals on. A helper makes it easier to check the brake lights. Cloudy headlight lenses reduce how far you can see at night and in rain, so consider having them restored or replaced if they have yellowed.
Air conditioning and cabin air filter
The first warm day is not the ideal time to discover that your A/C blows lukewarm. Turn it on during a mild spring afternoon and confirm it gets cold within a short drive. Listen for unusual noises when the compressor kicks on and pay attention to musty smells. We explain more about why an early look helps in our article on having your car’s A/C inspected before summer.
The cabin air filter is easy to overlook. It traps dust and pollen before they reach the vents, and spring pollen can clog it quickly. Many owner’s manuals show how to reach it behind the glove box, and the replacement interval is listed there too.
Fluids and the cooling system
With the engine cool and the car on level ground, check the oil level on the dipstick, the coolant level in the overflow tank and the brake fluid reservoir. Low coolant before summer is a warning sign, since hot weather and stop-and-go traffic put the cooling system under the most stress. If you have never done these checks before, our guide to simple car checks you can do at home walks through each one.
Look at the date or mileage on your last oil change sticker as well. Short winter trips that never fully warm the engine can be harder on oil than steady driving, so check your owner’s manual to see whether your driving falls under the severe-service schedule.
Brakes, belts and hoses
Pay attention to how the brakes feel and sound. A light squeal after a rainy night that disappears after a few stops is usually just surface rust on the rotors. A squeal that stays, grinding, a soft pedal or a pull to one side deserves a closer look.
Under the hood, glance at the drive belt for cracks or fraying and squeeze the radiator hoses (only when the engine is cold) to check for soft, swollen or brittle spots. Rubber parts can crack after temperature swings, and a failed hose or belt in July traffic is no fun.
Underbody and battery
If roads were treated during a winter storm, rinse the underside of the car and the wheel wells to wash away residue. Check the battery terminals for white or greenish corrosion. Batteries often survive the winter only to give out when summer heat arrives, so it can be smart to have the battery tested in spring if it is a few years old.
Let us handle the spring check
If you would rather hand the list to someone else, Music City Auto Repair in Hermitage can look over your tires, brakes, fluids, A/C and more, explain what we find, and give you an estimate before any work starts. Request an appointment online or call 615-600-5994 to schedule your spring check.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I rinse the underside of my car once winter is over?
When roads are treated for ice, salt and brine can cling to the underbody, brake lines and exhaust. Rinsing the underside after the last cold snap helps remove that residue before it has time to encourage rust. Many car washes offer an underbody spray, or you can use a garden hose on the wheel wells and frame rails.
Is spring a good time to replace my windshield wiper blades?
Often, yes. Cold weather and ice scraping can harden or nick the rubber, and spring brings frequent heavy rain in Middle Tennessee. If the blades streak, chatter or leave unwiped patches, replacing them before storm season is a simple way to keep your view clear.
Can winter potholes cause problems I will not notice right away?
They can. A hard hit can bend a wheel, damage a tire sidewall or knock the alignment out without any obvious symptom at first. Watch for a steering wheel that is off center, a pull to one side, a vibration at speed or a bulge on the tire, and have the car checked if you notice any of them.
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