Get Your Vehicle Ready for Spring

Spring is upon us, so to get your car ready for the new season, and save some money, follow these tips:

1. Clear out your junk *$$$ Saver*. Don’t forget to spring clean your car. Clearing out the junk that has accumulated over the winter (all that weight adds up!) will lighten your load, which can positively affect your gas mileage, handling and braking distance.

2. Replace old spark plugs and air filters*$$$ Saver*. Replacing your old spark plugs and air filter can instantly improve engine performance and efficiency (more gas mileage!). Spark plugs should be replaced every 50,000 miles, whereas filters should be replaced as often as every 15,000-30,000 miles.

3. Change your wiper blades. Winter driving conditions can wear those wipers out. Don’t stand for a streaky view through your windshield this spring! Replacing your wiper blades takes a matter of seconds and can make a major positive impact on your visibility during those April showers.

4. Upgrade your tires*$$$ Saver*. Never underestimate the role tires play in performance, handling and safety. Two of the most important things you can do is to check your tread and your tire pressure. Driving on under-inflated tires can be dangerous and expensive (driving on underinflated tires can result in a 25% reduction in fuel economy!). And if you find your tread is in trouble, swap worn-out tires for good all-season or performance-boosting tires. 

5. Wash the exterior*$$$ Saver*. Lastly, just as important as transforming your ride is maintaining it! Make sure you give your vehicle’s exterior (and its undercarriage) a thorough wash. All the chemicals and salt from winter can lead to serious damage and rust if left unwashed, negatively affecting the look and value of your car. A quick wash now can save you an expensive undertaking down the road!