As the seasons change, so do the demands on your vehicle. Keeping up with year-round maintenance gives you the best chance at minimizing expensive problems down the road and keeping your vehicle safe and comfortable. This seasonal car care checklist will help you focus on the right maintenance tasks at the right time.

Seasonal Car Care Checklist

Spring

Spring is the perfect time to recover from winter’s wear and prepare for warmer days ahead. When the snow starts to melt, it’s time to check these spring tasks off your list.

✓ Inspect and Rotate Tires: Winter can be tough on tires. Check for wear, ensure proper tread depth, and rotate your tires to promote even wear and longer life. If you had winter tires, now is a good time to switch them out for all-season tires.
✓ Check the Brakes: Listen for unusual noises and have your brakes inspected. Replace worn pads to prevent costly repairs later.
✓ Replace Wiper Blades: Spring showers demand clear visibility. Inspect and replace cracked or worn wiper blades.
✓ Check Fluid Levels: Top off engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. (Or, bring your car in for an oil change and we’ll check these for you!)
✓ Clean and Detail Your Vehicle: Wash away winter salt and grime. These can cause rust and other issues on your car’s exterior. Then, detail the interior to maintain your car’s value.

For more tips, check out our spring car maintenance checklist.

Summer

Hot weather brings its own set of challenges. It’s a good idea to check on these areas of your car before summer hits, and especially before you head off on any summer road trips.

✓ Check Your Cooling System: Ensure the radiator and fans are working. Top off coolant and consider a fluid exchange if needed.
✓ Inspect the Air Conditioning: Make sure your AC is blowing cold. Have it serviced if it’s not performing well.
✓ Check the Battery: Heat can stress batteries. Inspect your battery for corrosion and test if it’s over three years old.
✓ Monitor Tire Pressure: Hot temperatures can cause overinflation. Check pressure regularly and keep it at or slightly below the recommended level.
✓ Protect Your Interior: Use sunshades and park in the shade to prevent fading and overheating.
✓ Keep an Emergency Kit: Include water, a first-aid kit, snacks, and basic tools. This is especially important if you’re heading out of town.

Fall

As temperatures drop and leaves fall, prepare your car for cooler weather and shorter days.

✓ Engine and Battery Check: Test your battery and replace engine filters and fluids as needed.
✓ Tires and Brakes: Inspect tire tread and pressure. Check brakes for wear to ensure safe stopping on slick roads.
✓ Lights and Wipers: Make sure all lights work—headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. Replace worn wiper blades for clear visibility.
✓ Heating and Cooling Systems: Test your heating system and check the cooling system to prevent overheating.

Winter

Winter weather is harsh on vehicles. Follow these steps to keep your car running safely in the Michigan cold and snow.

✓ Standard Maintenance Inspection: Ensure all systems are in good condition. Check brakes, belts, hoses, engine, fluids, and filters.
✓ Check Your Car Battery: Cold weather strains batteries. It’s a good idea to have your battery tested and clean any corrosion.
✓ Replace Windshield Wipers & Fill Wiper Fluid: Use freeze-resistant wiper fluid and quality blades for clear vision.
✓ Heater and Defroster: Make sure both are working for comfort and visibility.
✓ Inspect and Replace Tires: Check your tires’ tread and consider snow tires for better grip.
✓ Check Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures lower tire pressure. Monitor and inflate your tires as needed.
✓ Wash Your Car After Snowstorms: Remove salt and deicing chemicals to prevent rust.
✓ Carry an Emergency Kit: Include blankets, flares, a shovel, food, water, and traction aids like sand or kitty litter.

You can get more tips for preparing for winter in our winter driving checklist.

Stay Ahead with Tillema Auto

Seasonal maintenance helps extend the life of your vehicle and helps you to avoid costly repairs. But more importantly, it keeps you safe.

We hope this seasonal car care checklist helps you to ensure your vehicle is ready for whatever the year brings.

If you feel overwhelmed, we’re here to help. At our Byron Center service repair shop, we check on many of these vehicle components during regular oil changes. And above and beyond oil changes, our reliable mechanics are here for you whether you need suspension work, air conditioning service, or anything in between.

Stop by and see us in Byron Center, MI, or give us a call at (616) 878-5991. We’re here to help!