Spring in Akron feels like a fresh start — until you take a good look at your car and realize it just survived another Northeast Ohio winter. Road salt, potholes, freezing temperatures, and constant moisture take a real toll on a vehicle over four or five months. Catching issues in March, before they become expensive problems in June, is exactly what a spring inspection is for.
Tires
Check the thread depth on all four tires. Look for uneven wear, which is usually a sign of alignment or suspension issues that developed over the winter. Check the pressure too — tires lose about one PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature, so they have been running underinflated all winter and need to be topped off as temperatures rise.
Brakes
Salt season is rough on brakes. Even if they were fine in October, five months of salt exposure can cause significant rust buildup on rotors and corrosion on caliper hardware. Listen for scraping, squealing, or grinding, and pay attention to whether your car pulls to one side when you stop. If anything feels different than it did in the fall, get it looked at.
Fluids
Winter stresses your fluids. Coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid should all be checked. Coolant in particular degrades over time — if it has not been flushed in two to three years, spring is a good time. Also, check your oil. If you are due for a change, doing it now before the warmer months put more heat stress on your engine is smart.
Suspension and Alignment
If your car has been pulling, vibrating, or riding rougher than usual, the suspension and alignment have taken a hit. Winter potholes are the number one cause of alignment problems in Akron. Misalignment does not just feel bad — it causes uneven tire wear that can cost you a new set of tires well before their time.
Battery
Cold weather is hard on batteries. A battery that barely got you through January might fail on the first warm morning in April. If your battery is more than three or four years old, have it tested. Replacements are inexpensive compared to getting stranded in a parking lot.
At Olson Auto Repairs, we offer full vehicle inspections that cover all of the above and more. Walk-ins are always welcome, and we will give you a clear picture of what your car needs with free estimates on any repair work.
Bring your car in this spring to 1570 Akron Peninsula Road. No appointment needed for most services. Call (234) 239-0111.
