The spring brings a season for cleaning, renewal, and revitalization. While you are preparing your home and your wardrobe for the spring, you should prepare your car with a vehicle safety inspection. If you add this task to your regular general car maintenance, you will ensure that you will make it through the season safely and help your car to last longer. You will also save money on auto repair that could have been avoided had you taken this important step. Whether you own a domestic or import car, it will greatly benefit from an inspection. If you own more than one vehicle, then you should service all of them regularly.
The Inspection Itself
For your vehicle safety inspection, you will want to make sure that all of your systems are performing at optimum levels and to assess the wear that occurred over the winter season. Most states require that some used cars undergo a safety inspection prior to the transfer of title and periodic inspections to keep the on the road, so be sure to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles in your state to get more information. This inspection must be done by an official safety and emissions location. It is a good idea to perform your own safety inspections each season so that you can spot potential problems early. The inspection may include a check of the car transmission, oil, battery, and radiator. You should also inspect the tires and headlights.
Under the Hood Inspection
When you lift up the hood, you should make sure that you clear out all of the debris that may have accumulated underneath the hood, such as leaves, branches, and dirt that has collected on top of the windshield wipers and on top of the battery, engine, and other parts. Clean off the battery terminals and check the spark plugs and wires for any worn or damaged parts. You can use a voltmeter to check the charge on it. To check the oil, locate the dipstick and pull it out. Wipe off the oil with a clean rag and reinsert. If the oil on the rag appears dirty or thick, it is time to change it. Pull out the dipstick again and check the level indicator on the stick to see where the oil level falls on it. If it is low but still clean, you can just top it off. Check the oil and air filters and change them if needed. Check your car transmission fluid in the same manner as the oil. If the fluid is dirty or has contaminants floating in it, then it needs to be changed.
Inspecting the Rest of the Car
You should not forget your tires and headlights. Make sure that your tires have the right air pressure in them and that the wheels are aligned. A wheel alignment will help your tires to maintain even tread wear and help you to have better control of the car, especially during the rainy spring weather. The wheel alignment is to make sure your wheels are at the correct angles from all directions. If you notice that the tread pattern is wearing unevenly, it might be time to have them rotated. You should also check your headlights and clean them off to make sure they are working properly. Replace any turn signal bulbs and any fuses that may have blown. The simple act of a vehicle safety inspection will help you to keep your car on the road and ready for any springtime voyage you plan for the season.