What cleaning and maintenance tasks should you perform on your vehicle?

Many people do maintenance to prepare their vehicles for winter. However, many neglects the importance of maintaining the vehicle for safe driving. Winter driving can be very hard on your car. It is important to perform basic maintenance tasks when temperatures rise.

These 5 things should be included in your vehicle's cleaning and maintenance tasks:

1. Tires

Tires are one of the most vulnerable parts of a vehicle, especially if it is being driven on icy or wet roads. Make sure to inspect all tires and treads and ensure that they are in good shape. A tire shop can balance and rotate the tires, even if they are in good condition. Also, ensure that the tires are properly inflated.

2. Batteries

Cold weather can make your car's battery work 60% harder. This makes it more susceptible to wear and tear and increases the chance of becoming stranded. It takes very little time to test the battery. If you don't own a battery tester, take the battery to an auto parts shop.

3. Suspension

Winter driving can cause suspension problems in your vehicle. Slippery or wet roads can cause major issues. Potholes are more common in colder temperatures and harder to spot during winter. Damaged suspensions can cause serious damage down the line. It is important to inspect your suspension after the winter season has ended.

4. Brake System

You should also inspect the brake system of your vehicle. This system can be damaged by cold weather. When maintaining your vehicle, be sure to check the fluid levels, parking brake, lines and hoses, as well as pads. Low fluid could indicate excessive wear or leakage. Replace any lines or hoses that crack or become brittle. Replace any worn pads.

5. Belts and Hoses

Even the most well-maintained cars can be susceptible to hoses snapping and belts cracking in cold temperatures. Because of the cold, their material can become weaker and more brittle. Additionally, when you turn on your car, you are sending heat which only makes matters worse. It is important to inspect all hoses and belts for damage or weakening and replace worn ones if necessary.

Your vehicle's seasonal changes will affect you in the end. It is important to perform maintenance tasks when the season changes are occurring (i.e. You can ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for many years by performing maintenance tasks at the right time.