Spring Into Car Care
Why April Is the Right Time to Show Your Vehicle Some Love
Friendly Tips from your friends at Automotive Magic
Is Your Vehicle Road-Trip Ready?
April is here, and with it comes Car Care Awareness Month—the perfect time to give your vehicle the attention it needs after a long winter. The past few months have likely taken a toll on your car, from freezing temperatures and road salt to potholes and unpredictable weather. Now, as the days get longer and the promise of spring and summer adventures grows stronger, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is as ready as you are.
At Automotive Magic, we know your car is more than just a way to get from point A to point B. It’s your trusted companion—whether it’s getting you through your daily routine, hauling kids to practice, or taking you on weekend road trips. That’s why keeping up with maintenance is so important, especially after winter’s wear and tear.
Shaking Off the Winter Blues
Winter in New Jersey can be rough on a vehicle. The combination of road salt, freezing temperatures, and potholes can lead to hidden damage that’s easy to overlook. Now that spring is here, it’s a great time to check for any lingering issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Checking In on Your Tires
One of the most common issues we see in early spring? Tires that have taken a beating. Cold weather causes air pressure to drop, which means your tires might be underinflated—leading to poor fuel economy and uneven wear. On top of that, if you’ve hit a few potholes (and let’s be honest, who hasn’t?), your alignment and suspension could be off.
If you’ve noticed your car pulling to one side, your steering feeling less responsive, or your tires looking a little worse for wear, it’s time to have them inspected. Driving with improperly aligned wheels or worn tires doesn’t just affect performance; it can be downright dangerous, especially on rainy spring roads.
Giving Your Brakes Some Love
Brakes are another area that winter tends to be rough on. The mix of moisture, cold temperatures, and road salt can cause rust buildup on brake components, leading to squeaking, grinding, or reduced stopping power. If you’ve noticed your brakes feeling soft or making noise, it’s best to have them checked before you find yourself in a situation where you really need them.
At Automotive Magic, we always recommend a spring brake inspection to catch any issues early. The last thing you want is to hit the road for a weekend getaway and realize too late that your brakes aren’t up to the task.
WHERE THE RUBBER MEETS THE ROAD
As we transition from winter to spring, one of the first things we recommend checking is your tire pressure—and here’s why. Tire pressure naturally fluctuates with the outside temperature. For every 10-degree change, your tire pressure can increase or decrease by about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch). So, those freezing winter mornings likely caused your tires to lose pressure, and now with spring temperatures on the rise, the pressure could be creeping back up—or even becoming uneven between tires. Driving with tires that are under- or over-inflated can lead to poor fuel economy, uneven tread wear, and even reduced handling or braking performance. That’s why it’s smart to have your pressure checked and tires inspected as the seasons shift—your safety (and your gas mileage) depend on it.
Spring Cleaning for Your Engine
When we think of spring cleaning, we usually picture tidying up the garage or swapping out winter clothes, but your engine could use some freshening up too.
Winter can be hard on your vehicle’s fluids, especially your oil, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If you’ve been putting off an oil change, now is the perfect time to get it done. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and efficiently, helping prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
Your coolant system is just as important. Many people think of coolant (or antifreeze) as something only needed in winter, but as temperatures rise, your engine works harder to stay cool. If your coolant is low or hasn’t been changed in a while, your car could be at risk of overheating once the summer heat kicks in.
Don’t Forget the A/C!
Speaking of heat, air conditioning might not have been on your mind during the winter, but before the first scorching day arrives, it’s worth making sure it’s working properly. The last thing you want is to flip on the A/C in June and realize it’s blowing warm air.
A quick A/C system check can ensure you stay comfortable as temperatures rise. It’s also a good time to replace your cabin air filter, which can collect dust, pollen, and debris over time. If you suffer from spring allergies, a clean cabin air filter can make a big difference in air quality inside your vehicle.
Prepping for Road-Trip Season
If you’re planning any road trips or weekend getaways, a little extra preparation now can save you from headaches later.
- Check your battery – Winter’s cold can weaken a car battery, leading to sluggish starts or, worse, a dead battery at the worst possible time.
- Inspect your wiper blades and lights – April showers are no joke, and good visibility is crucial. Worn wiper blades and dim headlights can make driving in bad weather even riskier.
- Give your car a deep clean – Road salt and winter grime can cause rust and corrosion, especially on the undercarriage. A good wash and wax can help protect your paint and prevent long-term damage.
Ready to Get Your Car Spring-Ready?
At Automotive Magic, we want to make sure your vehicle is in top shape for whatever adventures lie ahead. Whether it’s a spring maintenance check, a tire rotation, an alignment, or an A/C inspection, we’ve got you covered.
Schedule your appointment today, and let’s get your car road-trip ready!
📞 Call us at 973-366-3777 or visit www.automotivemagic.com to book your service.
Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.
In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.
Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.
