Following the winter months, get your car inspected

As the weather begins to get warmer and the colder months move behind it’s imperative that people get their cars inspected for any damage they might have sustained through those cold wintry months.

Rod Smith, who owns and operates Rod’s Automotive Repair & Tire in New London says that it’s good for people to get a general inspection to make sure their vehicles run efficiently.

“The best thing they can do is go to reparable mechanic and get it looked over,” he said

Smith said oil changes are one of the most looked over inspections by people following the winter months.

“The biggest thing is oil changes,” Smith said. “People think they don’t drive as much that the oil is going to be OK. The problem is that when you don’t drive as much, the oil builds up more moister. It should be changed going into spring.”

Tires are also crucial for inspection, especially if a lot of driving is planned in the summer.

“It’s also important to get your tires checked and even changed if it’s close,” Smith said. “Don’t keep driving to save money, get your tires changed because tire prices are going up and they continue to go. Get them changed if you need them changed, especially if your going to take a trip over the summer.”

Another recommendation, its to have your car driven to make sure the wheel barrings are not going out, the steering system is all right. Rod says a “general inspection” is one of the best things to do.

All the sand and salt that is applied to the road for ice can also damage the car, with rust being the main problem.

“The best thing you can do is run it through a car wash and wash the underneath of your car,” Smith said. “If you can’t do that at least try to use a pressure washer to clean it the best you can. That’s about the best you can do unless you can get the car in the air.”

As summer and warmer days approach, Smith says it’s also important to keep an eye on your vehicle during the hotter days too.

“In the summer you have more problem with overheating of course and problems with fluids like, transmission fluid and engine oil,” Smith said. “They definitely run a lot hotter in the summer. It’s always better to make sure everything is up to speed. Another thing you really need to keep track of is your breaks, especially if your going on a trip. Other than that, it’s just general maintenance and taking care of your car.”