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a27a3b73d355048c6bab885897085f62 Seven Tips for Vehicle Maintenance in Spring

Asheville is a beautiful city located in western North Carolina and is known for its stunning natural scenery, mild climate, and vibrant arts and culture scene. Spring in Asheville is a much-anticipated season, as the city comes to life with a variety of exciting events and activities. Here are some of the things that people look forward to about spring in Asheville:

  • Blooming flowers and trees: Springtime in Asheville brings a burst of color as trees and flowers begin to bloom. Visitors can take in the stunning views of flowering cherry trees, dogwoods, and azaleas throughout the city.
  • Outdoor activities: Asheville is surrounded by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and has a range of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. As the weather warms up in the spring, many people look forward to getting outside and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
  • Festivals and events: Asheville is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene and hosts a range of festivals and events throughout the spring. The Asheville Herb Festival, Montford Music and Arts Festival, and the Asheville Orchid Festival are just a few of the many events that visitors can enjoy.
  • Craft beer and food: Asheville is home to over 40 craft breweries and has a thriving food scene with a focus on farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients. Spring is a great time to explore Asheville's culinary offerings and enjoy a cold beer on one of the many outdoor patios in the city.
  • Asheville's gardens and parks: Asheville has a range of stunning gardens and parks that visitors can explore in the spring. The North Carolina Arboretum, the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, and the Biltmore Estate gardens are all popular destinations for visitors looking to take in the beauty of spring in Asheville.

While spring in Asheville is generally a much-anticipated season, there are a few things that some people may not look forward to. Here are some examples:

  • Pollen: As the trees and flowers begin to bloom in the spring, the pollen count in Asheville can become quite high. This can be an issue for people with allergies or respiratory problems.
  • Crowds: Spring is a popular time to visit Asheville, which can lead to crowds at popular destinations such as the Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and downtown Asheville. This can make it more difficult to navigate the city and can lead to longer wait times at restaurants and attractions.
  • Unpredictable weather: While the weather in Asheville is generally mild in the spring, it can still be unpredictable. Visitors may encounter sudden rain showers, cool temperatures, or even the occasional snowfall in the higher elevations.
  • Bugs and insects: As the weather warms up in the spring, bugs and insects become more active. This can lead to issues with mosquitoes, ticks, and other pests, particularly for those who spend time outdoors.
  • Seasonal tourism closures: Some attractions and businesses in Asheville may close or reduce their hours during the spring, particularly those that cater to winter sports enthusiasts. This can limit the options for visitors looking for things to do in the area.

Whether you love spring or loathe it, you need your vehicle to be ready to take you anywhere and everywhere in western North Carolina. Here are a few spring maintenance musts that will help ensure your car is there when you need it to be. 

7 Spring Musts for Your Vehicle

1) Deep Clean Your Vehicle

Even though this winter has been relatively mild, it is still crucial to thoroughly wash all vehicles now that the season's wintry weather is probably over. Your car's undercarriage and paint could get corroded by the salt used to treat roads and prevent them from becoming too icy. 

This accumulation can cause rust, paint to chip, and other exterior damage to your car. Take advantage of the recent sunshine and warmth to wash your car and protect it from the elements. 

Remember to pay attention to often neglected areas, such as the undercarriage, wheel wells, and fenders. 

2) Repair Any Body Damage

Repair body work to prevent rust from developing during spring and summer. Asheville is located in an area with high humidity and rainfall, which can lead to rust on vehicles with damaged bodywork. 

Repair any dents or scratches to prevent rust from forming. You want to make sure you take every step to avoid prolonged issues from dents and dings.

3) Check Your Windshield Wiper Blades

The frequent rainfall in Asheville and the rest of western North Carolina, coupled with the prevalence of insects, dirt, and other road debris, will eventually dry out the rubber on your windshield wiper blades, causing them to crack. 

Spring showers are common in Asheville, so it's important to have working wiper blades to maintain visibility while driving. Replace your wiper blades if they are worn or streaking, so you can have the visibility you need to navigate western North Carolina safely.

4) Rotate Your Tires

The tires on your car are crucial because they are the only parts of the car that actually touch the road. Have your tires inspected and rotated every 6,000 to 9,000 miles. 

As the weather warms up, it's important to make sure your tires are properly inflated and have enough tread. Tire inspection and rotations should be performed every 6,000-9,000 miles. 

Some advantages of rotating tires include:

  • Beneficial to the tires' longevity
  • Maintains the vehicle's ride and handling characteristics
  • Maximum fuel efficiency can be maintained with properly inflated and rotated tires.

5) Change Your Vehicle’s Oil and Oil Filter

Oil prolongs the life of your engine and makes it run like new for longer. Depending on the manufacturer's recommendation and your driving conditions, you should change your oil and oil filter every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. At a minimum, oil should be changed twice each year. 

More frequent oil changes may be required if you often drive in extreme temperatures, pull a trailer, or engage in aggressive driving.

6) Check and Top Off Fluids

Your car uses a variety of fluids besides just engine oil. Each one is essential to keeping your engine at the right temperature and ensuring the smooth operation of all its parts. Fluid levels to check include:

  • Coolant
  • Transmission Fluid
  • Power Steering Fluid
  • Brake Fluid
  • Windshield Wiper Fluid

7) Check the Condition of Your Brakes 

Check your brakes to make sure they are ready for spring. Wet roads can also make it more difficult to stop your vehicle, so it's important to have your brakes checked by a professional if you notice any issues.

If your brakes are squeaking, pulsating when you press the pedal, pulling to one side when you apply the brakes, feeling "mushy," or you have to add brake fluid frequently, it may be time to get them fixed.

8) Change Your Air Filters

As pollen rains down from the trees even more frequently than rain from the sky, be sure to replace your air filter and cabin air filters.

Have Your Vehicle’s Body Repaired at First Aid Collision

First Aid Collision is committed to providing the highest quality auto body repair services in western North Carolina. Head over to First Aid Collision, where our experienced technicians are ready to provide the best possible service to get your vehicle looking like new again. 

With the increased humidity and rainfall in Asheville during spring, it's important to address any dents or scratches to prevent rust from forming. Our team can repair bodywork and paint damage, providing you with a flawless finish that will protect your vehicle for years to come. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get your vehicle back on the road with confidence.