Ice, snow, road salt, and freezing temperatures can take a toll on virtually every part of your vehicle. As winter comes to an end, it’s time to give your car the care it needs to restore it after months of harsh conditions. Here are ten crucial steps—written by a local Fairbanks mechanic—to care for your vehicle post-winter.
1. Check for Rust Under the Car and Damage to the Undercarriage
The undercarriage is one of the most vulnerable parts of a car during winter. Road salt, slush, and gravel can accumulate and, over time, can lead to corrosion and rust under your car.
What to Do:
- Inspect for signs of rust under your car, particularly near the wheel wells, exhaust system, and frame.
- Rinse the underside thoroughly using a high-pressure hose or take your car to a professional car wash with an undercarriage cleaning option to help prevent rust under your car.
- Apply rust inhibitors to protect against future damage.
2. Test Your Car Battery
Winter is notorious for draining car batteries. Even if your car started reliably all winter, the cold could have weakened the battery’s capacity, increasing the risk of a dead car battery.
What to Do:
- Use a multimeter to test the battery’s voltage or visit a Fairbanks mechanic for a professional battery test.
- Clean the battery terminals and check for corrosion.
- If the battery is older than three years or shows signs of wear, consider replacing it before you get an unexpected dead car battery.
3. Check Tire Pressure and Condition
Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop, and driving on improperly inflated tires can lead to uneven wear or blowouts.
What to Do:
- Check the tire pressure using a reliable gauge and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Inspect tires for signs of wear, cracks, or punctures.
- If you used winter tires, switch back to all-season or summer tires once temperatures consistently stay above freezing.
4. Inspect and Service Your Brakes
Brakes go through a lot of stress during winter, especially if you frequently drive on icy or snow-covered roads. Salt and moisture can also cause corrosion in the braking system.
What to Do:
- Listen for unusual sounds like squeaking or grinding when braking.
- Have a professional inspect the brake pads, rotors, and calipers for wear and damage.
- Replace any worn components.
5. Check and Refill Fluids
Winter driving can deplete or contaminate essential fluids in your car. It’s a good practice to check on the fluids and replenish or replace them once the weather is back above freezing.
What to Do:
- Check your oil level and consider getting an oil change if it’s due.
- Inspect and top off other fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
6. Clean or Replace Wiper Blades
Snow, ice, and salt can wear down or damage your windshield wipers, making them less effective when spring rains arrive.
What to Do:
- Clean your wiper blades with a damp cloth to remove any residual salt or grime.
- Test them for streaking or uneven wiping and replace them if needed.
- Top off your windshield washer fluid.
7. Inspect Belts and Hoses
Extreme cold can cause rubber components like belts and hoses to become brittle or crack.
What to Do:
- Look for cracks, fraying, or bulges in belts and hoses.
- If you notice wear or damage, have them replaced promptly.
8. Give Your Car a Thorough Wash
A good wash not only makes your car look great but also removes harmful salt and grime that can cause damage if left.
What to Do:
- Wash the exterior thoroughly, paying extra attention to the wheel wells and undercarriage (refer back to #1 for why this is particularly important).
- Recommended: Apply a protective coat of wax to shield your car from spring rains and lingering road salt.
9. Test Your Air Conditioning System
With warmer weather on the horizon, it’s time to ensure your car’s air conditioning system is in good working order.
What to Do:
- Run the air conditioning and check for proper cooling.
- If it isn’t working efficiently, have it inspected by a professional to address any issues before summer arrives.
10. Schedule an Inspection with a Fairbanks Mechanic
After tackling the basics—or if you don’t have time to check on your car after the winter—it’s always a good idea to have a professional Fairbanks mechanic perform a comprehensive post-winter inspection. They can identify any issues you may have missed and ensure your car is in top shape for the months ahead.
A local Fairbanks mechanic at Metro specializes in helping drivers restore their cars after even the toughest winter conditions. From undercarriage inspections to brake service and everything in between, our experienced team is here to provide honest, expert car care.
