Jeff's Tips

SPRING CLEANING

Now that we're done with the snow, let's get those vehicles cleaned up.

I think we're all pretty good at the obvious part, like getting a good car wash, cleaning the salt and sand off the carpet and mats. But what about underneath? It's a good idea to rinse off the underbody and frame as well. Most car washes do this somewhat, but it still doesn't hurt to take a hose and spray around the wheel wells and flush out the frame rails (mostly on trucks).

Underhood? Well you know the salt spray we drive in, that seems to cover every square inch of the body? It goes right through the grill and radiator, and all over under the hood too. The engine breathes it, so it's a good idea to check those air filters. Battery terminals like to corrode more in winter too.

Brakes see all that salt too, so a brake inspection is important to make sure the rotors are not rusting and the caliper slides are clean and free to move.

Something to remember about fluids, they are subject to a lot of moisture from condensation during winter months, due to large changes in temperature. Engines and transmissions will evaporate this if oil temps get over 212 degrees, but rarely see those temps in winter. Engine oil also see's more fuel contamination due to rich mixtures during warm up, So it doesn't hurt to change those fluids.

Door hinges, hood hinges and door locks also get corroded from that salt spray, so now's a good time to lube those.

Remember, a clean car is a happy car (driver's happier too).

Speaking of happy cars, have you seen our roads lately? The potholes are wreaking havoc with your wheels, tires, suspension, steering components and wheel bearings. When you see one coming, if you can't avoid it, slow down as much as you can, and before you hit it release the brake. This will impart a little less force on your chassis than with the brakes applied.