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End of Winter Car Maintenance Checklist

A clear bottle pours a blue antifreeze/coolant mixture into a car's reservoir

5-Step Spring/Summer Auto Maintenance in Swan River, MB & Yorkton, SK

Winter in Saskatchewan is no joke. Your vehicle has endured freezing temperatures, icy roads, potholes, and salt-covered highways, and now spring is finally here! Follow this 5-step checklist to show your car some love in time for longer, warmer days full of road trips and outings aplenty, and book a service appointment with the expert technicians at our Key Auto Group locations in Yorkton, SK and Swan River, MB to ensure your vehicle is in top working condition!

  1. Check the Battery
  2. Swap Winter Tires Out For Summer Tires
  3. Top Up Your Fluids
  4. Check Your Air/Cabin Filters
  5. Wash Your Vehicle

Read more:
4 Winter Battery Care Tips
The Importance of Coolant/Antifreeze in Winter

Top 5 Car Maintenance Tips in Time for Spring

From corroded batteries to salt-caked undercarriages, winter conditions cause problems that lead to costly services and repairs if left unchecked. Save yourself the hassle and follow Key Auto Group’s simple, 5-step maintenance checklist to avoid any nasty surprises:

1. Check Your Car Battery

Freezing temperatures will drain your car battery faster, reducing its overall lifespan. We advise that you regularly test your battery’s strength and check its terminals for signs of corrosion. If your battery is older than 3 to 5 years, or if it’s just been hard to start, then it’s time to book an appointment with your preferred Key Auto Group location to have it replaced.

When Should You Take Off Winter Tires

2. Inspect, Switch & Store Winter Tires

Winter tires excel in cold weather but wear quickly on warm pavement due to their specialized soft rubber compound. Once temperatures consistently hit 7°C, it’s time to make an appointment with our technicians to switch to summer or all-season tires for continued safety, traction, and control. Don’t forget to inspect the tread depth of your winter tires before storing them in our facility! That way, they’ll be ready to go as soon as you need them next winter.

3. Top Up Fluids: Engine Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, and More!

Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid help you keep full control over your vehicle, and washer fluid keeps your windshield free of streaks and debris. In addition to these, there’s one more fluid to add to your list: despite what the name suggests, coolant/antifreeze aren’t limited to cold-weather use; they work hard to preserve your engine’s temperature, performance, and overall longevity year round! Have one of Key Auto Group’s expert technicians give your car’s fluids a once-over with our engine flush, spot leak, and fluid replacement services:

4. Check & Replace Air/Cabin Filters

Winter salt and road grit don’t just stick to your car’s exterior; they sneak into your engine air system, too. A clogged engine air filter restricts airflow, and a dirty cabin air filter lets dust and musty odors into your vehicle. After spending the winter running the roads in such intense conditions, your filters will likely need replacing in time for spring’s longer days. At Key Auto Group, we install genuine OEM filters for better air flow and a perfect fit! Stop by your preferred location and let us help you, your passengers, and your engine breathe easy.

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5. Wash Your Car to Get Rid of Salt & Grime

Giving your car a thorough wash or detailing service goes a long way towards protecting your chassis from rust. It’s an easy thing to overlook, but getting rid of road salt and grime will stop rust in its tracks, sparing its paint job and components from corrosion.

Prepare Your Car For Spring at Key Auto Group in Yorkton, SK & Swan River, MB

At Key Auto Group, we’ve spent decades prepping drivers in Swan River, MB and Yorkton, SK for spring. Book a service or detailing appointment with the experts at your preferred Key Auto location to get your car warm weather ready!