Top 5 Spring Car Care Tips

By EPR Auto Clinic – Your trusted auto service center in Newark, NJ

Spring has arrived in Newark, and as the temperatures rise and winter fades away, it’s the perfect time to give your vehicle some much-needed attention. Winter driving conditions can take a serious toll on your car, from salt damage to battery strain. At EPR Auto Clinic, we recommend these five essential spring maintenance tips to keep your vehicle running smoothly through the warmer months ahead.

1. Wash Away Winter’s Aftermath

Winter road salt and chemicals can cause significant damage to your vehicle’s undercarriage, paint, and metal components if left untreated. As soon as the weather permits:

• Get a thorough car wash with underbody cleaning
• Pay special attention to wheel wells and hard-to-reach areas
• Apply a new coat of wax to protect your paint
• Consider a professional detailing to remove salt residue from carpets and upholstery

A proper spring cleaning doesn’t just make your car look better—it prevents corrosion and extends the life of your vehicle’s body and frame.

2. Check and Replace Your Tires

Winter driving conditions are tough on tires, and the transition to spring is the ideal time to:

• Inspect for uneven wear patterns, cuts, or bulges
• Check tire pressure as temperatures fluctuate
• Rotate your tires if you haven’t done so in the last 6,000 miles
• Consider switching from winter to all-season or summer tires
• Check your alignment if you notice pulling to one side

Your tires are your only contact with the road—making sure they’re in optimal condition is crucial for both safety and fuel efficiency.

3. Refresh Fluids and Filters

Winter driving demands more from your car’s systems. Spring is the perfect time to:

• Change your oil and oil filter
• Check and top off all fluids (coolant, brake fluid, power steering, transmission)
• Replace your air filter if it’s clogged with winter debris
• Switch to a summer-weight oil if recommended for your vehicle
• Flush your cooling system if it’s been more than two years

Fresh fluids and filters will help your car run more efficiently as temperatures climb and prevent overheating during hot summer days.

4. Inspect Belts, Hoses, and Wipers

Cold weather can cause rubber components to become brittle and crack. Before summer arrives:

• Check all belts for cracks, fraying, or glazing
• Inspect hoses for bulges, cracks, or leaks
• Replace windshield wipers damaged by ice and snow
• Test your A/C system before you really need it
• Examine battery cables and connections for corrosion

Catching these issues early can prevent breakdowns and expensive repairs later in the season.

5. Test Your Battery and Electrical System

Winter puts enormous strain on your car’s battery and electrical components. As part of your spring maintenance:

• Have your battery professionally tested
• Clean terminals and connections
• Check that all lights and signals are working properly
• Listen for any unusual sounds when starting your vehicle
• Replace batteries that are more than 3-4 years old, even if they haven’t failed yet

Many batteries that survived winter will fail as temperatures rise—address potential issues now before you’re left stranded.

Ready Your Car for Spring at EPR Auto Clinic!

Spring maintenance isn’t just about recovering from winter—it’s about preparing for the hot summer months ahead. At EPR Auto Clinic in Newark, our skilled technicians can perform a comprehensive spring inspection and take care of all these maintenance items efficiently and affordably.

Don’t wait until minor issues turn into major problems. Schedule your spring maintenance appointment today and enjoy worry-free driving all season long. Your vehicle works hard for you; give it the care it deserves with help from the experts at EPR Auto Clinic!

EPR Auto Clinic
Your complete auto care solution in Newark, NJ