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| Aroostook Republican Photo/Lisa Wilcox Caribou Automotive Repair Services owner Justin Bell replaces a set of struts on a vehicle at his shop on Laurette St. in Caribou. Shock and strut replacement is a popular repair service performed this time of year after the harsh winter leaves a brutal pothole season in its wake.. |
By Lisa Wilcox
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — With the rising temperatures and shrinking snow banks, early spring often brings with it the urge to wander. But before packing up the car and hitting the open highway, some vehicle maintenance issues should be attended to in order to ensure a safe and hassle-free arrival at your destination.
“Winter time is the hardest on vehicles,” said Justin Bell, owner of Caribou Automotive Repair Service. “With cold starts and temperatures well below zero, it’s hard on the car’s engine and tires, especially.”
According to Bell, the first step to getting a vehicle spring road trip worthy is a simple car wash.
“The salt and chemicals used on the roads in the winter can cause a lot of rust damage,” Bell advised.
Checking fluids and making sure that everything, including oil, windshield wash and coolant, are topped off should be next on the maintenance list. Most garages include this service in their package with an oil change.
“And I always check the air filter,” Bell stated. “Those can get really dirty and black, which will affect your fuel economy.”
A vehicle’s shocks and struts take a beating during the winter and spring with the formation of potholes.
“Shock and strut replacement is a common repair at the shop this time of year, along with broken coil springs,” Bell said.
Bell offered the reminder that studded winter tires need to be removed by May 1. If all-weather tires are used year-round, Bell advised it’s important to check the tire pressure regularly, especially before a trip. Ideal tire pressure varies among different makes and models and can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s door of the vehicle.
Making sure that tires are in good shape is of the utmost importance, Bell stressed. Along with air pressure, adequate tread depth and checking the tires for weather cracks are both vital safety points.
“Sunlight can break down the tire’s rubber and cause cracks,” Bell advised.
Another tire safety tip Bell offered is to follow up with your mechanic any time tires have to be removed for service, or if they’ve been on the vehicle for an extended period of time, to make sure they are properly torqued. “Especially with aluminum wheels,” Bell clarified. “Aluminum can corrode and turn to powder.”
Having a tire blow out or roll off the rim can be extremely dangerous, especially if traveling on the highway at a high rate of speed. Bell warned that under- or overly-inflated tires can present an equal amount of risk.
Bell also advised to make sure that the vehicle’s cooling system is up to par and that the coolant is not dirty or contaminated. The thermostat should also be checked to make sure it is operating properly to avoid overheating.
According to Bell, making sure that battery cables are in good shape and not full of corrosion is also important.
“A battery is just as capable of failing in the summertime as wintertime,” Bell warned.
Bell theorized that while the varying seasonal temperatures have different effects on vehicles, spring and summer car care is basically the same as in the winter. A regular maintenance schedule, paying attention to the vehicle’s tires and having any unusual noises or actions quickly checked should avoid a serious safety issue or costly repair bill.
