Spring Cleaning Checklist
Prepare your vehicle for the road with our comprehensive Spring Car Maintenance Checklist. Ensure safety, performance, and longevity after the harsh winter months.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Spring is the ideal time to reverse the wear and tear caused by winter driving. Road salt, freezing temperatures, and potholes can degrade your vehicle's components, leading to decreased efficiency or mechanical failure. This checklist focuses on restorative care and preventative inspections.
A full DIY inspection typically takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your experience level. If you choose to take your vehicle to a professional shop, a comprehensive spring service usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Performing these checks now ensures your car is ready for summer road trips and higher operating temperatures.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Pressure | Required | DIY | 10 min | Matches door-jamb PSI | Inflate to spec |
| Tire Tread Depth | Required | DIY | 5 min | Above 4/32" depth | Replace tires |
| Engine Oil Level | Required | DIY | 5 min | Between Min/Max marks | Top off or change |
| Brake Fluid | Required | DIY | 5 min | Clear/Amber; at Max line | Flush or top off |
| Coolant Level | Required | DIY | 5 min | Full in reservoir | Top off (50/50 mix) |
| Wiper Blades | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No streaks or tears | Replace blades |
| Washer Fluid | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Reservoir is full | Refill fluid |
| Battery Terminals | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No white/blue corrosion | Clean with wire brush |
| Air Filter | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Clean; no debris/clogs | Replace filter |
| Cabin Filter | Optional | DIY | 15 min | No odors or dust buildup | Replace filter |
| Brake Pads | Required | Shop | 30 min | Over 3mm thickness | Replace pads |
| Serpentine Belt | Required | DIY | 5 min | No cracks or fraying | Replace belt |
| Headlights/Signals | Required | DIY | 5 min | All bulbs illuminating | Replace bulbs |
| Undercarriage Wash | Recommended | DIY | 20 min | No salt/mud buildup | Power wash chassis |
| Alignment Check | Recommended | Shop | 45 min | Car drives straight | Professional alignment |
| Spare Tire Condition | Required | DIY | 5 min | Inflated and no dry rot | Inflate or replace |
| Hoses & Clamps | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No leaks or soft spots | Tighten or replace |
| Exhaust System | Recommended | Shop | 15 min | No loud noises or rust holes | Repair leaks |
| Shock Absorbers | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | No visible oil leaking | Replace struts/shocks |
| Floor Mats | Optional | DIY | 10 min | Clean; no salt crust | Wash or replace |
Use the table above to track your progress. Start with the 'Required' items first, as these impact the immediate safety and drivability of your vehicle. Items marked as 'Shop' are best handled by professionals unless you have advanced tools and experience.
After completing the inspection, keep a log of what was replaced or topped off. This documentation is valuable for resale and for tracking the health of your vehicle over time.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Completing your spring maintenance is a proactive way to protect your investment. Once finished, ensure you dispose of all old fluids like oil or coolant at a certified recycling center.
- Record the date and mileage of this service.
- Reset any maintenance reminder lights on your dashboard.
- Check for any open safety recalls on your vehicle.
- Inspect the condition of your summer/all-season tires before mounting.
- Look for paint chips caused by road gravel and touch them up to prevent rust.
- Verify that your emergency roadside kit is fully stocked.
- Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher if equipped.
- Clean the interior glass to remove winter film buildup.
- Lubricate door hinges and weather stripping.
- Browse similar Inspection guides for more details.
- Check out our Fluids guide for specific refill tips.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.