Shake Off the Winter in Preparation for Spring As the winter beings to wind down, now is the perfect time to undertake a seasonal inspection. Early spring maintenance not only rids your vehicle of winter's accumulation, but also ensures that your vehicle is in peak performance for the more pleasant months ahead. Shake off winter debris Remove any leaves or trash that may have accumulated in your grill or under the wipers and hood. Have your entire vehicle washed, including the undercarriage, to dislodge any salt or sand that may have amassed. Take the time With the engine off, open your hood and look for worn or cracked belts and hoses. Also check for any loose connections, battery corrosion, and fluid levels. This can be done at your local service center in just a few minutes. Get aligned Winter potholes, rough road surfaces and extreme driving conditions can take a toll on your vehicle's alignment affecting its operation and the useful life of your tires and suspension, as well as your own personal safety. Give yourself a brake Have the brake system washed to relieve the pads and linings of any corrosive salt. With all the water, snow and ice that have covered the roadways, you should also have an inspection to ensure your brakes are free of corrosion and are operating property. And, if you've noticed any excessive grinding, squealing, screeching or chatter when using the brakes, this should be checked out immediately. Replace spent blades After months of fighting away dirt and debris from your windshield your wiper blades are probably ready for an extended sabbatical. Replacing them now preserves your windshield and ensures greater visibility and safety in the months ahead. Get a professional check up Have your cooling system analyzed, including a check of your antifreeze (It it's dull and muddy, rather than bright green or blue, it needs to be replaced). If your thermostat isn't working properly, you could experience decreasing gas mileage or even overheating. While it might seem early, this is also a good time to have your air conditioning evaluated. In addition to diagnosing and correcting any problems before the hot weather sets in, it's usually less expensive and easier to get an appointment before the summer rush. And, don't forget to have your exhaust system inspected for any damage or possible problems.

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