Spring Into Smooth Driving: Essential Car Maintenance Tips from Bennington Chevrolet

As winter fades away and spring arrives in Bennington, VT, it’s time to give your vehicle the attention it deserves. The colder months can take a toll on your car, from icy roads to salt buildup, making spring maintenance essential to ensure safe and smooth driving.

At Bennington Chevrolet, we’ve put together a spring car care checklist to help you protect your investment, improve performance, and prevent costly repairs.

1. Inspect and Replace Windshield Wipers

Winter ice and snow can leave your wipers cracked and ineffective, making it difficult to see clearly in spring showers. Replace worn-out wipers to ensure optimal visibility during rainy days in Bennington and beyond.

2. Check Tire Pressure and Alignment

Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure fluctuations, leading to uneven wear and poor fuel efficiency. As the weather warms up:

• Check tire pressure and adjust it according to your owner’s manual.
  
• Inspect tread depth for signs of excessive wear.
  
• Schedule a wheel alignment to prevent drifting or uneven handling, especially if you hit potholes during winter.
  
• If you used winter tires, now is the time to swap them out for all-season or summer tires for better efficiency and performance.
  

3. Test and Maintain Your Brakes

Winter driving can be tough on your brake system. If you hear grinding, squealing, or feel vibrations while braking, it’s time for an inspection. Even if your brakes seem fine, it’s smart to have them checked to ensure maximum safety.

4. Check Your Battery’s Strength

Extreme cold can weaken your car battery, increasing the risk of failure just when you need it most. To avoid getting stranded:

• Check your battery’s voltage and clean any corrosion from the terminals.
  
• If your battery is more than three years old, consider replacing it to prevent unexpected issues.
  

5. Test the Air Conditioning System

With warmer temperatures on the way, you don’t want to find out your A/C isn’t working on the first hot day. Test your air conditioning now, and if it’s not blowing cold air, you may need a refrigerant recharge or system inspection.

6. Change the Oil and Fluids

Winter driving conditions can cause oil to thicken, making your engine work harder. A spring oil change ensures proper lubrication and helps maintain engine efficiency. Additionally, check and top off other essential fluids, including:

• Transmission fluid
  
• Coolant
  
• Brake fluid
  
• Windshield washer fluid
  

7. Deep Clean Inside and Out

Winter road salt and debris can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage. A thorough exterior wash and wax will help protect your vehicle’s paint. Inside, vacuum carpets and replace cabin air filters to reduce allergens and improve air quality as pollen levels rise in Bennington and the surrounding Vermont area.

Spring Into Smooth Driving with Bennington Chevrolet

Regular seasonal maintenance extends your vehicle’s lifespan and keeps you safe on the road. Whether you need an oil change, brake inspection, battery test, or tire service, the certified technicians at Bennington Chevrolet are ready to help.

Schedule your spring maintenance appointment today at Bennington Chevrolet, 24 Performance Drive, Bennington, VT 05201, and keep your vehicle running at its best all season long!

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