Your car works hard for you every day, facing everything from scorching summer heat to freezing winter ice. Each season presents a unique set of challenges that can affect your vehicle's performance, safety, and longevity. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule is the best way to keep your car reliable, but tailoring that schedule to the specific demands of the changing seasons is even smarter. Proactive, seasonal maintenance helps you catch small problems before they become major, expensive repairs and keeps your car running smoothly no matter what the weather looks like. This seasonal maintenance checklist will guide you through the key tasks for each part of the year, giving you a simple roadmap to follow for a healthy, dependable vehicle year-round.

Spring Maintenance

Winter is tough on a car. The salt, sand, and grime from winter roads can cause corrosion, while potholes can wreak havoc on your suspension and alignment. Spring is the time to wash away the winter blues and get your car ready for warmer weather.

Deep Clean and Inspect the Undercarriage

The most important spring task is to give your car a thorough cleaning, especially the underbody. Road salt is incredibly corrosive and can cause significant rust damage to your frame, exhaust system, and brake lines if left unchecked. Take your car to a car wash that has an undercarriage spray or use a pressure washer at home to blast away all the accumulated salt and dirt.

While you're cleaning, take a moment to inspect for any damage. Look for new scratches or dents in the body paint. Check under the car for any signs of fluid leaks. This deep clean is your first chance to spot any issues that were hiding under a layer of winter grime.

Check Your Tires and Alignment

Winter roads are notorious for potholes, which can easily knock your car's wheels out of alignment. If you notice your car pulling to one side or if your steering wheel is off-center, you likely need an alignment. Proper alignment is key for even tire wear and safe handling.

This is also the perfect time to check your tires.

  • Tire Pressure: Temperature changes affect tire pressure. Check the pressure in all four tires and inflate them to the manufacturer's recommended level, found on the sticker inside your driver's side door jamb.
  • Tread Depth: Check your tire tread to make sure it's safe for wet spring roads. You can use the penny test: place a penny upside down in the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread is worn and it's time for new tires.
  • Swap Winter Tires: If you use dedicated winter tires, spring is the time to swap them back to your all-season or summer tires.

Replace Wiper Blades

Your wiper blades work overtime clearing away snow, ice, and salt spray during the winter. This can leave them torn, cracked, and ineffective. For clear visibility during spring rain showers, it’s a good idea to install a fresh set of wiper blades.

Summer Maintenance

Summer heat is one of the biggest threats to your engine and battery. High temperatures can cause your engine to overheat and can accelerate the chemical reactions inside your battery, shortening its lifespan. Prepping your car for summer is all about keeping things cool.

Test Your Air Conditioning

Don't wait for the first sweltering day to find out your A/C isn't working. Turn it on and make sure it blows cold air. If the air isn't as cold as it used to be, you might have a refrigerant leak. A weak A/C system could signal a problem with the compressor or other components. Getting it checked out before you really need it can save you from a very uncomfortable drive.

Inspect the Cooling System

Your car's cooling system has to work much harder in the summer. An overheated engine can cause catastrophic damage, so this is a check you can't afford to skip.

  • Coolant Level: When the engine is cool, check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir. If it's low, top it off with the correct type of coolant specified in your owner's manual.
  • Hoses and Belts: Visually inspect the radiator hoses for any cracks, bulges, or leaks. Check the serpentine belt for signs of fraying or cracking.

Check Your Battery

Hot weather is actually harder on your car battery than cold weather. High temperatures can cause the battery fluid to evaporate, which can lead to internal damage. If your battery is more than three years old, it's a good idea to have it tested at an auto parts store or by your mechanic. They can tell you if it's still holding a good charge. Make sure the battery terminals are clean and free of corrosion.

Fall Maintenance

Fall is the time to prepare your vehicle for the harsh conditions of winter. Addressing these items before the first snowfall will make your winter driving experience much safer and more reliable.

Check Your Heater and Defroster

Just like you tested your A/C in the spring, you need to test your heating system in the fall. Make sure your heater blows warm air and that your defroster effectively clears the windshield. A malfunctioning defroster is a major safety issue in freezing weather.

Inspect Your Lights

With shorter days and often poorer weather conditions, good visibility is paramount. Walk around your car and check all of your exterior lights: headlights (both high and low beams), taillights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace any bulbs that are burned out. It’s also a good idea to clean your headlight lenses if they have become hazy or yellowed, which can significantly reduce their brightness.

Check Your Brakes

Safe winter driving is all about being able to stop and control your vehicle on slippery surfaces. Fall is the perfect time for a brake inspection. Listen for any squeaking or grinding noises when you apply the brakes. If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy, you could have a problem. A mechanic can check the thickness of your brake pads and the condition of your rotors to make sure they are ready for winter.

Winter Maintenance

If you've followed the fall checklist, your car should be in good shape for winter. However, there are a few ongoing tasks to keep in mind during the coldest months.

Keep Your Gas Tank Half Full

This is a simple but important tip. Keeping your gas tank at least half full during the winter does two things. First, it helps prevent moisture from freezing in your fuel lines. Second, if you ever get stranded in a snowstorm, you'll have enough fuel to run the engine and keep the heat on until help arrives.

Monitor Tire Pressure

Cold air causes tire pressure to drop. For every 10-degree drop in ambient temperature, your tire pressure can decrease by about 1 PSI. Check your tires frequently throughout the winter and keep them properly inflated for the best possible traction on snow and ice.