With the first hints of warmer weather arriving, you might be thinking of unearthing your car from the garage, and taking it for a spin on a sunny day. There are few things in life more rewarding, after all, than a leisurely drive in an appropriately sporty vehicle.
Before you can enjoy this sort of thing, however, it’s a good idea to perform a few checks and tweaks. This will help your vehicle to cope with the stresses of hot weather, and to perform that little bit more capably in general.
Bodywork
Getting your car’s exterior into good condition will help it to gleam in the sunshine. You can start this process early on. Wait for a dry day, get it out for a hand wash and a wax. Don’t use a car wash, and proceed very carefully if you’re washing the car with a pressure washer.
If you’re willing to head to a professional detailer, then you might ask for extras. They might have the ability to address defects in the bodywork, or apply a layer of ceramic coating. You’ll save yourself a job, and you’ll tend to end up with results that you couldn’t have achieved on your own.
The interior might be treated to a valet clean, too. This is something you can learn to do yourself: once you invest the time, you might find that you can do it very efficiently, and therefore more regularly.
Battery check
If you haven’t been doing much driving over the winter, then your battery might have been slowly discharging. This is where a battery tender comes in – it’ll prevent discharges, and thus extend the battery’s overall lifespan. Before you start the engine, take a moment to inspect the wires and terminals. If you can see any obvious rust or oxidation, it’s time to give it a clean. There are products which are formulated for this exact purpose.
Tyres
Your tyres are designed to be regularly inflated and replaced. Inspect your tyres, paying particular attention to the tread depth. You’ll find the appropriate pressures listed online, or in the vehicle’s manual. These can be adjusted depending on the sort of load you’ll be carrying. If the tyres look like they’re worn, then seek out high-quality replacements. You can buy premium tyres online, often at knock-down prices.
Oil change
In any car, the oil you’re using will matter. In a performance vehicle, it will really, really matter. Changing the oil will help to flush out any condensation that might have accumulated in the engine whilst the vehicle was in storage. Swap the filter, while you’re at it. If your vehicle has any value, whether it’s sentimental or purely monetary, then the investment in new oil and filters will tend to be outweighed by the level of protection you’ll get in return.
