Spring in Middle Tennessee means sunshine, road trips, and shaking off the last of winter—but before you hit the road, it’s time to check under the hood and do your spring maintenance. Seasonal changes can take a toll on your vehicle, especially after months of cold, wet weather.
In the final installment of our Spring Into Safety series, we’re covering essential spring maintenance checklist items that can help you avoid breakdowns, improve performance, and drive safer all season long.
Missed earlier posts? Catch up here:
- April Showers and Slick Roads: Mastering Wet Weather Driving
- Spring Break Travel Safety: Road Trip Tips for Families and Students
- Watch for Walkers: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in Warmer Weather
Watch for Walkers: Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety in Warmer Weather
1. Tire Rotation, Alignment, and Pressure Checks
Start your spring car maintenance checklist from the ground up.
✅ What to check:
- Tire pressure: Cold weather lowers PSI, so top off to the recommended levels.
- Tread wear: Check for bald spots or uneven wear, which may signal alignment issues.
- Rotation & alignment: These help extend tire life and improve handling—especially important if you’ve hit any winter potholes.
Bonus: Don’t forget the spare tire—make sure it’s inflated and in good condition.
2. Top Off and Replace Fluids
Your vehicle relies on several key fluids that may have been depleted or thickened during winter.
🛠 Spring maintenance tip:
- Check and top off: oil, brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
- Consider an oil change if it’s been a while—fresh oil improves engine performance as the weather warms.
- Flush & replace coolant if it’s been over 2 years—especially important heading into summer.
Clean fluids help your vehicle run cooler, cleaner, and longer.
3. Replace Air Filters and Test the A/C
Before Tennessee’s summer heat hits, make sure your seasonal vehicle prep includes a check of your air systems.
🌬 Steps to take:
- Cabin air filter: Keeps allergens, pollen, and dust out of your interior air—replace yearly.
- Engine air filter: A clogged filter can reduce fuel efficiency and engine performance.
- A/C system check: Make sure your air conditioning is blowing cold and strong—early spring is the time to address leaks or issues before you really need it.
Breathe easier and stay cool with this simple maintenance step.
4. Clean Off Winter Residue—Especially Underneath
Winter driving often means exposure to road salt, which can lead to long-term corrosion if not cleaned off.
🚿 What to do:
- Wash your undercarriage: Focus on the wheel wells and underside of your vehicle where salt buildup is common.
- Inspect for rust: Look for any signs of corrosion around the edges, underneath, or in hard-to-see places.
- Polish and wax: Not only helps your car look great for spring—it protects the paint from UV damage, pollen, and bugs.
A little spring cleaning goes a long way in protecting your investment.
5. Test Your Battery and Replace If Needed
Cold weather weakens batteries, and the first warm days can often be when they finally give out.
🔋 Signs your battery may need attention:
- Slow engine crank
- Dim headlights or electronics
- Corrosion on terminals
Most car batteries last 3–5 years. If yours is near that age, have it tested—or go ahead and replace it for peace of mind.
6. Don’t Forget Safety Essentials
Spring also means more time on the road—make sure your vehicle is ready for anything.
🚗 Smart additions to your spring car maintenance checklist:
- Re-stock your emergency kit (jumper cables, flashlight, bandages, water, etc.)
- Check your wipers—April showers can hit any time!
- Test your horn, lights, blinkers, and hazard signals
Taking a few minutes now can save you from major stress later.
Conclusion: Spring Maintenance Is Safety in Action
A safe road starts with a roadworthy vehicle. By tackling these basic spring maintenance steps, you’re protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.
Need help after a car accident or vehicle-related injury? At Stillman & Friedland, we’re here for you—with compassionate legal support, free case evaluations, and a deep commitment to helping Middle Tennessee drivers.
📞 Call us today at 615-244-2111, chat with us, or use our online contact form to get started.
Because we care…
Stillman and Friedland
