Winter is the toughest time of year for a car. Road salt eats the underbody, cold drains the battery, and bad roads wreck the suspension. When winter is over, your car deserves an inspection to see what the cold months left behind.
Tire Change - On Time, Not Too Early
Switch to summer tires once temperatures are consistently above 7 degrees. The legal deadline is April 15, but if temperatures still swing, do not rush it.
When you pull the winter tires, inspect them before storage. Measure tread depth and note it down so you know if they are good for next winter. Store in a dry, dark place, ideally on rims and slightly inflated.
Underbody - Salt and Moisture Work Quietly
The most important part of a spring inspection. Salt accelerates corrosion and you cannot see it because it is all underneath. We recommend a thorough underbody wash followed by inspection.
We check the sills, floor pan, subframe, and exhaust for corrosion. If rust has started, act while it is still surface-level. Once it eats through the metal, the repair gets expensive. For salt-exposed vehicles we recommend underbody treatment every two to three years.
Battery - It Survived Winter, but How Much Is Left
A battery that worked under extra load all winter can be weak without you noticing. Spring is the ideal time for a test. We measure voltage and capacity under load, and in a few minutes you know the condition.
If it is three to four years old and barely made it through winter, replace it now rather than waiting for it to fail in summer.
Wipers - After Winter They Are Almost Always Due for Replacement
Ice, snow, and salt destroy wiper rubbers. If they leave streaks or smear, replace the blades. Small investment, big difference in visibility when spring rain hits.
Fluids - Check Everything, Replace as Needed
Spring is a good time to go through all the fluids:
- Engine oil - if you are close to the service interval, do it now
- Coolant - check the level and condition. If it is dirty or old, replace it
- Brake fluid - check the level. Brake fluid gets changed every two years
- Washer fluid - swap winter fluid for summer
Air Conditioning - Test Before the Heat Arrives
An AC that sat all winter can lose refrigerant or develop a smell from bacteria. Run it for fifteen minutes and check cooling and odor. If it does not cool enough, it likely needs a top-up. If it smells, the system needs disinfecting and a new cabin filter.
Brakes - Winter Wears Them Down
Moisture, salt, and cold accelerate brake wear. Check pad and disc thickness and the condition of brake lines. If the car pulls to one side under braking, a caliper piston may have seized during winter.
Suspension
Winter potholes leave their mark. If the car clunks over bumps more than before, or you notice steering looseness or uneven tire wear, the suspension needs a look. Worn shocks and joints affect stability and safety.
Our Advice
Bring the car in after winter and we will check all the key points: underbody, brakes, suspension, battery, fluids. Half an hour at the shop and you will know exactly what condition your car is in.