Get Your Car Ready for Spring
The harsh Canadian winters can take a toll on vehicles. As the weather warms up make sure your vehicle is in the best possible shape for the new season by following the below tips.
1. Take off your winter tires – With Canada’s fluctuating weather, it’s impossible to give an exact date for when to switch your Winter tires to Seasonal tires. It’s best to act when the average daily high is above 7 degrees for 10 consecutive days. Check your provincial guidelines on when winter tires are required.
Remember to wash your winter tires thoroughly, removing leftover salt stains, then make sure to store them in a cool and dry place.
2. Check your wheel alignment – Potholes and the freeze thaw cycle is brutal on winter roads and will gradually knock your wheels out of alignment. You should get them checked in the spring to maintain vehicle safety.
3. Check your tire pressure – Air pressure drops by 1-2 PSI or 0.07 to 0.14 bar with every 10°C. Maintaining correct tire pressure not only ensures optimal traction and grip on any road surface, it also gives you more mileage for your fuel and even reduces CO2 emissions. It is especially important to check your pressure throughout the winter and as you get your car ready for spring.
4. Check your brakes – Cold weather alone won’t damage your brakes but being exposed to road salts can impact the condition of your brakes. Salt can corrode metal, reducing their performance and longevity.
5. Check your battery – After a harsh Canadian winter, it’s a good idea to make sure your car battery still runs strongly. Cold weather can lead to faster deterioration of your battery.
6. Replace wiper blades – Snow and ice can take a toll on your wiper blades during winter. Check them every spring to make sure they are ready for the new season.
7. Clean off winter dirt – Road grime gets kicked up onto your vehicle over winter. Make sure you give the exterior a good clean. In areas where the roads are salted, getting the corrosive gunk off the underside of your car is a smart move. If left, this residue can eat away at the paint and finish. The interior of your vehicle shouldn’t be forgotten about either, switch out the winter floor mats and get rid of the winter mud.
8. Check oil – Check that engine oil, coolant, brake, transmission, and power steering fluids are at the correct levels. When adding fluids always follow OEM recommendations, use KLONDIKE products that meet the specifications listed in the owner’s manual. Learn more about our range of automotive engine oils that are formulated under the newest technology and are certified under the latest ILSAC GF-6 and API SP specifications. This technology is also good for use in the prior ILSAC GF-5, GF-4, and previous specifications.
Get your car ready for Spring
Following the above steps will help keep your vehicle in great shape for your summer road trips. Contact us to find out where your local KLONDIKE dealer is located and explore our range of automotive engine oils here. Information provided includes recommendations. Always follow engine manufacturer’s specifications. KLONDIKE cannot be held responsible for product misapplication.
