Spring car checklist: undo the damage winter did to your vehicle
Post-winter inspection priorities: undercarriage corrosion, wiper blades, alignment checks, and clearing road salt from brake components.
Winter takes a toll on your car even if you didn't notice any problems. Salt, brine, and sand accelerate corrosion, potholes knock alignment out of spec, and cold-weather wear on wipers and batteries reveals itself when spring arrives.
Priority one: wash the undercarriage. Road salt trapped in wheel wells, suspension components, and underbody crevices causes rust that weakens structural components over time. A thorough underbody wash at a car wash with an undercarriage spray is worth the extra $3. If you have access to a pressure washer, hit the wheel wells, control arms, and subframe directly.
Priority two: inspect the tires. Winter potholes cause sidewall bulges (tire needs immediate replacement — a bulge is a blowout waiting to happen), bent wheels (vibration at highway speed), and misalignment (car pulls to one side or uneven tread wear). If you ran winter tires, swap back to all-seasons when overnight temperatures consistently stay above 45F.
Priority three: replace wiper blades. Winter ice and freezing rain destroy wiper rubber. New blades cost $15-30 per pair and take 5 minutes to install. Spring rain with worn wipers is a visibility hazard.
Priority four: test the battery if you didn't replace it in fall. A battery that struggled through winter cranking may not survive summer heat (heat actually degrades batteries faster than cold — cold just reveals the weakness). A free load test at any parts store takes 10 minutes.
Information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair. AutoAt's knowledge base is AI-assisted and regularly updated but may not reflect the most current manufacturer specifications. Always verify critical specifications with official service manuals. Repair procedures described here may require professional tools, training, and certifications. Attempting repairs beyond your skill level can be dangerous.