Spring Car Care Pennsylvania

No matter the season, the number one most important car maintenance service is an oil change. However, ahead of warmer weather, it is especially important to have clean oil circulating through your car’s engine. This is because high temperatures can cause engine oil to thicken, which compromises the oil’s ability to protect the engine from overheating caused by friction. Additionally, when old and dirty oil is being run through the system, it can decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency by causing the engine to work harder. The service technicians here at Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram recommend getting your vehicle’s oil changed every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, if your vehicle is subjected to harsh driving conditions such as towing or off-roading, you should bring it in for an oil change more frequently. To keep your vehicle running its best, you should refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual or speak with the knowledgeable service team here at Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

Another critical component to be aware of in the spring is your tires. If you have winter tires that you swap on when the snow begins to fly, it is crucial that you switch back to your all-season tires. Snow tires are built for cold weather and are not designed to stand up to the frying pan that is pavement in hot weather. Extreme heat can cause the tread of winter tires to wear down at a much faster rate than all-season tires, reducing their traction and lifespan. If you run all-season tires year-round, you should check the tread depth in the spring to ensure that there is still good tread for optimal traction. To ensure tread wear remains even between the front and rear tires, you should have your tires rotated with each oil change. It is also recommended that you get a wheel alignment. Wintertime is notorious for causing potholes in the road, which can throw your wheels out of alignment, causing some edges of the tire to wear faster than others. A technician here at Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will be happy to get your wheels realigned this spring.

There are other quick and easy checks you can do at home to ensure your vehicle is ready for spring. First, you should check your wiper blades. Snow, ice, and salt can cause tears in your wiper blades, causing them to streak your windshield and decreasing visibility. You should also crank up your car’s air conditioning before the weather gets too hot because there’s nothing worse than sitting in a hot car that you can’t cool down! If it doesn’t pump out the cold air you expect it to, it can be a sign of damage or a malfunction. In this case, bring it to the Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service center to have it diagnosed and repaired by one of our certified technicians. It is also essential that you check your vehicle’s fluid levels. Top off your washer fluid and inspect the brake fluid and coolant levels as well. You should also pay attention to your car’s battery, as extreme heat and cold can damage it. If your engine seems to take longer than normal to turn over, it could mean the battery is nearing the end of its life. One of our technicians will happily test your battery’s power output this spring. Finally, check your cooling system to make sure there are no tears or leaks in the hoses.

At the Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram service center, it is our goal to ensure that your vehicle is running its best all year round. Whether you need routine maintenance, like an oil change or repairs to your air conditioning system, you can count on us to make sure your vehicle is ready for the warmer months. If you have any questions about springtime vehicle maintenance or would like to schedule an appointment with our service center, use the contact form below this page. We look forward to serving you!