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.
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| 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.