Spring has sprung, and so has the desire to embark on a spring road trip.
But before you hit the highway, there are a few maintenance steps that you and your service technician can perform to maximize your enjoyment and safety on the open road.
Clean it up:
“Winter is by far the toughest season on any car,” says Steve Allum, service manager at Hyundai of Oakville, so you should start by giving your vehicle a good wash to get rid of the salt and sand that’s accumulated on the surface, undercarriage and in all the crevices.
And don’t forget to clean the washer jets – they can get clogged with dirt and grime that will block a steady stream of wiper fluid when needed.
Not only will this wash give you a clear look at any damage that may have been sustained to the body and paint, but it will also help protect the body and paint from the salt that can be so damaging.
Fix it up:
If you do notice any small dents or scratches, you should try to fix them while they’re small and before rust sets in.
Once that’s done you can further protect the paint and body work by adding a coat of wax polish, which will help block the sun’s harmful rays.
A full inspection:
A clean undercarriage will give your service technician an opportunity to take a good look at any damage that may have been caused by driving over pot holes or on rough roads covered in ice and snow. Your service technician should thoroughly check for any damage to the body, front end components, suspension or the brakes, and any problems should be fixed before you head on your road trip.
Make some changes:
Your service technician can also change your tires, getting rid of the winter ones and replacing them with all seasons, which Allum says perform much better on dry roads. And while you’re at it, you may want to have your wiper blades changed as well, because chances are they’ve been ripped and rusted during the winter.
At this point you should also change the oil. This should be part of your standard maintenance schedule and should be changed every 6,000 kilometers, or three months, and the start of each season. The benefits of doing so include increased fuel efficiency and less effort to chug smooth, clean oil than thick dirty oil through all the system’s parts.
Think safety:
All of these tips will help put your mind at ease on your road trip, and protect your car in the long run, but you should also be thinking about safety issues as well.
Your journey will probably include a fair bit of night driving, and as such you will want to inspect all exterior lights on your vehicle to ensure they’re all working properly – you never want to be caught with your lights out!
To find out more about Hyundai of Oakville, visit their website at www.hyundaiofoakville.ca. For more spring road trip tips, watch the videos at www.dailywebtv.com where you can learn something every day.
