The change of seasons signals that your car needs weather-specific updated maintenance to keep it operating smoothly. Think seasonally and as the weather changes, focus on your vehicle’s performance and needs for year-round vehicle safety and efficiency.

Winter

If you live in a city that gets heavily hit with snow and ice, snow tires and even snow chains can help your car endure the long winter safely. Snow tires perform much better than all-season tires in the snow. While traveling at 15 mph, winter tires come to a stop one full car length to one-half a car length ahead of all-season tires on icy roads. Most auto repair shops offer oil changes and tire rotation deals — ask your mechanic to put on the new tires during the rotation.

Pay extra special attention to your tires’ air pressure in winter. According to TireBuyer.com, tire pressure increases in hot weather and plunges in cold weather, so your tires may need air more frequently.

Spring

During a long winter, you’ve probably been gearing up for a spring or summer road trip. The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence recommends that drivers prepare their cars for summertime during the spring. Visit your local car repair shop for the spring cleaning of your vehicle. Check your car’s air conditioning to ensure it’s clean and efficient. Also, change your oil, tighten your car’s belts, flush the radiator and replace worn wiper blades.

Summer

The long, hot days of summer stress your car’s cooling system, tires and battery. High heat shortens battery life. Check your battery during the summer and ensure it’s cleaned. Dirt and debris can actually conduct power and further shorten battery life. Help keep your engine working properly with coolant that’s a 50-50 mixture of distilled water and coolant. As a general rule, radiator coolant should be changed once a year. Just as you checked tire pressure in winter, check and adjust it for summer weather as well.

Fall

Fall routine car maintenance includes tightening the belts as well as checking and changing the oil, filters and fluids. Also, check your car’s brakes and perform any brake work as prep work for a harsh winter. If your wiper blades are worn, replace wipers for safe winter use. If you car has not yet had an annual tuneup and wheel alignment, schedule these car maintenance services with your mechanic.

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