Late-Winter Car Care & Preparing for Spring: Essential Tips from 55 Tires & Service in St. Louis

As winter continues through February, your vehicle has likely endured months of freezing temperatures, road salt, and icy conditions. While spring is still on the horizon, now is the perfect time to perform crucial maintenance to keep your car running smoothly for the remainder of winter and ensure it’s ready for the seasonal transition ahead. At 55 Tires & Service in St. Louis, MO, we’re here to help you navigate this crucial period with expert care.

Why Late-Winter Maintenance Matters

Winter’s harsh conditions can wear down vital components of your vehicle. Cold temperatures, snow, and road salt can take a toll on your tires, battery, and braking system. Performing maintenance now helps prevent unexpected breakdowns and ensures a seamless shift into spring.

Key Maintenance Tips for Late Winter and the Transition to Spring

1. Keep an Eye on Your Tires

Cold weather continues to impact your tire pressure and tread depth. As winter persists:

• Check and adjust tire pressure to prevent uneven wear and improve fuel efficiency.
• Inspect tread depth to ensure safe traction on wet or icy roads.
• If you have winter tires, plan when you’ll switch back to all-season or summer tires once temperatures remain consistently above freezing.

2. Test Your Battery

Batteries take a beating in winter. If your car has been slow to start, have your battery tested to ensure it’s holding a proper charge before spring arrives. Cold temperatures reduce battery efficiency, and you don’t want to be stranded in the final stretch of winter.

3. Inspect Brakes for Winter Wear

Road salt and icy conditions can accelerate brake wear. Schedule a brake inspection to check your pads, rotors, and fluid levels. Properly functioning brakes are crucial, especially when dealing with unpredictable late-winter weather.

4. Maintain Wiper Blades and Washer Fluid

Late winter still brings snow, sleet, and rain, so make sure your windshield wipers are in good shape. Replace worn-out blades and refill washer fluid to maintain clear visibility through the last few weeks of winter storms.

5. Monitor Fluids and Oil

Temperature fluctuations affect your vehicle’s fluids. Now is a great time to:

• Check and top off coolant, brake, and transmission fluids.
• Change the oil and filter to remove any sludge buildup from cold-weather driving.
• Ensure power steering and differential fluids are at the proper levels.

6. Check Alignment and Suspension

Winter potholes can knock your alignment off balance and damage suspension components. Signs of misalignment include uneven tire wear, pulling to one side, and steering wheel vibration. A quick alignment check improves handling and prevents further damage.

7. Prevent Corrosion with a Thorough Cleaning

Road salt buildup can cause rust and corrosion. Wash your vehicle’s exterior, including the undercarriage, to remove salt and grime. Consider adding a protective wax coating to shield against lingering winter elements.

8. Prepare for the Spring Transition

Although winter isn’t over, planning ahead ensures you’re ready for the shift to warmer temperatures. Consider scheduling a full inspection to address any lingering winter damage and get a head start on springtime vehicle care.

Trust 55 Tires & Service for Your Late-Winter Maintenance Needs

At 55 Tires & Service, our ASE-certified technicians provide comprehensive inspections and maintenance services to keep your vehicle running reliably through the remainder of winter and into spring. We prioritize transparency, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Stay ahead of seasonal changes—schedule your late-winter maintenance check with 55 Tires & Service in St. Louis today and drive with confidence!

Book your appointment now or stop by 55 Tires & Service – your car will thank you!