As the winter season fades and the days get longer, spring brings fresh air and a chance to start anew. It’s the perfect time to get your car and home ready for the upcoming warmer weather. With spring around the corner, follow this checklist to make sure your car is ready for any trip, and your home feels clean and bright.
In this blog post, we’re going to show you the essential steps to get your car and house ready for spring. We’ll talk about everything you need to do, from simple car checks to making your living area look and feel better.
Spring car maintenance checklist
Spring is the perfect time to give your car a thorough spring cleaning check-up to make sure it’s ready for the warmer months ahead. Follow our handy spring maintenance checklist full of helpful tips to help you take care of your vehicle this spring:
1. Wash Your Car
Winter can leave your car covered in salt and grime, which can cause rust. Give your car a good wash from top to bottom, making sure to clean the underside, too.
For the inside, clean out any trash or items that have piled up over the winter. Vacuum the floors and seats, and wipe down the dashboard and windows.
2. Check Your Tires
As temperatures change, so does tire pressure. First, check that your tires are inflated to the right level, which you can find in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
Next, make sure your tires have enough tread to grip the road, especially in rainy spring weather, safely. You can check this by inserting a quarter into the tread groove; if you can see the top of George Washington’s head, it’s time for new tires.
Then, remove your winter tires and replace them with your all-seasons. This is a good time to rotate your tires. Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly and last longer.
3. Inspect Your Brakes
Listen for any strange noises when you brake or if your car pulls to one side. These could be signs that your brakes need attention. It’s important to have a professional check them if you notice anything unusual.
4. Check Fluid Levels
Your car has various fluids that need to be at the right levels to run smoothly:
- Check your oil level and change it if it’s time.
- Make sure your coolant (antifreeze) level is correct to avoid overheating.
- Check the brake fluid level and top it up if necessary.
- Spring means more rain and mud. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is full so you can keep your windshield clear.
5. Replace windshield wipers
Winter can be hard on wipers, leaving them cracked or worn. If they’re not clearing your windshield well, replace them. It’s an easy and affordable way to improve your visibility in spring showers.
6. Test your battery
Cold weather can weaken your car’s battery. Test it to make sure it’s still holding a charge well. If your car has been starting slowly, it might be time for a new battery.
7. Check your lights
Make sure all your lights are working – headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and interior lights. Replace any burned-out bulbs to ensure you’re visible and can see where you’re going.
8. Clean or replace air filters
Your car’s engine air filter can get clogged with dirt and debris, especially after winter. Check it and replace it if it’s dirty. This helps your engine run more efficiently.
9. Schedule a maintenance check-up
If you’re not comfortable checking some of these things yourself, or if it’s been a while since your last professional car service, schedule your seasonal maintenance check-up. A mechanic can spot issues you might miss and help keep your car running smoothly.
10. Review your car insurance policy
Spring is also a great time to review your car insurance policy.
- Make sure your coverage levels are appropriate for your current needs.
- Check if you qualify for any new discounts.
- Make sure your insurance company has your current information.
If your policy is up for renewal, get a free car insurance quote from Oracle RMS today.
Spring home maintenance checklist
With spring around the corner, it’s not just your car that needs a spring maintenance checkup. Spring brings a perfect opportunity to freshen up your home and get it ready for the warmer weather ahead. Check out our easy-to-follow spring home maintenance to-do list to ensure your living space is in tip-top shape:
Exterior
1. Clean the gutters
Remove leaves, twigs, and any debris from your clogged gutters to prevent water damage. Make sure downspouts are clear, and water can flow away from your home’s foundation.
2. Inspect the roof
Look for any damaged, loose, or missing shingles due to winter storms and repair as necessary to avoid leaks. Schedule any needed repairs for roof damage.
3. Check the home’s exterior
Walk around your home and check for cracks or damage in the siding, paint, bricks, or foundation. Fix any issues to prevent water from getting in, and check your exterior lights for any burnt-out bulbs.
4. Service your HVAC
Have a professional check and service your heating system, ventilation, and air conditioner. Changing the filters can improve air quality and efficiency. Schedule repairs if any are needed.
5. Clean windows and screens
Wash windows inside and out to let in more sunlight. Repair any holes in damaged screens to keep bugs out during warmer months.
6. Prepare your outdoor space
Clean outdoor furniture, patios, and decks. Check for any repairs needed. Start planning your garden and outdoor living areas.
Interior
7. Safety check
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they’re working properly. Replace batteries if needed. Check your fire extinguishers to make sure they’re not expired.
8. Check seals and weatherstripping
Inspect doors and windows for leaks or drafts. Replace seals and weatherstripping to improve energy costs, efficiency and comfort.
9. Look for water damage
The warmer weather will cause a spring thaw that could result in water damage. Check your basement for any signs of water damage. If you find any, call someone right away to avoid any major repairs later on. Especially if you live in a flood-prone area, consider installing a backwater valve or sump pump.
9. Declutter and organize
Go room by room and decide what to keep, donate, or throw away. Organize closets, drawers, and storage spaces to reduce clutter.
10. Deep Clean
Enlist your family’s help to clean your home. Tackle areas that don’t get much attention during the year: behind appliances, under furniture, and inside cabinets. Steam clean carpets, wash floors, and wipe down ceiling fans to remove dust and allergens.
11. Update your inventory list
While cleaning and organizing, this is an ideal time to prepare or update your home inventory by documenting all of your valuable possessions. This list will be incredibly useful should you ever have a claim.
12. Update emergency supplies
Check your emergency kit to ensure it’s fully stocked with fresh supplies. Include batteries, first aid items, water, and non-perishable food.
13. Review your home insurance policy
Make sure your home insurance policy is up to date and covers your current needs.
- Make sure your insurance is right for what you need now.
- See if you qualify for any new discounts.
- Make sure that the information your insurance company has for you is up to date
If it’s time to renew your home insurance, get a free home insurance quote from Oracle RMS today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to clean my AC for the warmer seasons?
The best way to clean your air conditioner is by changing or cleaning the filters, making sure the outside unit is clear of debris, and checking that the inside vents are dust-free. It’s also a good idea to have a professional look at it if you’re unsure.
What happens if you use winter tires in the summer?
Using winter tires in the summer can make them wear out faster because they’re made of a softer rubber that gets too soft in the heat. This can also make driving less safe because your car won’t handle as well or stop as quickly.
Is it legally required to get car maintenance for spring?
No, it’s not legally required to get specific car maintenance for spring. However, regular maintenance is important for keeping your car safe and running well.
Can I ask a company to do a home revision for the spring season?
Yes, you can hire a company to do a spring check-up for your home. They can help with cleaning, maintenance, and checking that everything is in good shape for the upcoming season.
