Seasonal Car Maintenance: From Snow to Sun
As the last traces of winter begin to melt away, it’s time to give your car a little extra love. Between icy roads, cold temperatures, snow chains and potholes, your vehicle has likely taken a hit over the past few months.
That’s where seasonal car maintenance comes in. Preparing your car for the shift from winter to spring isn’t just smart – it’s essential for performance, safety, and peace of mind on the road.
Why Seasonal Car Maintenance Matters
Just like your home gets a spring clean, your vehicle deserves one too. Winter conditions can leave behind more than just dirty floor mats. They affect your tyres, brakes, suspension, and even your car’s underbody.
If you’ve been driving in cold, wet or snowy conditions, especially in alpine areas, it’s time to transition your vehicle back into everyday driving mode.
Tyre Pressure and Performance in Warmer Weather
One of the biggest changes you’ll notice as the temperature rises is your tyre pressure.
In cold weather, air contracts and tyre pressure drops. But as spring temperatures climb, the opposite happens – air expands, increasing pressure inside your tyres.
This can cause:
- Overinflation
- Reduced traction
- Uneven tread wear
- Compromised handling
A key part of seasonal car maintenance is checking and adjusting your tyre pressure to suit the new conditions. Our mobile team can come to you and ensure your tyres are road-ready for the warmer months.
Rotation and Alignment After Winter Driving
If you’ve hit potholes, driven with chains, or taken winding snow-covered roads, your wheels may be slightly out of alignment.
Misaligned wheels lead to:
- Pulling to one side
- Uneven tyre wear
- Lower fuel efficiency
- Reduced safety
Even if your car feels “fine,” a wheel alignment is one of the easiest ways to prevent long-term tyre damage. And if your tyres weren’t rotated during winter, now’s the time. Rotating them helps distribute wear evenly, giving you more kilometres before replacement.
Clean Off the Winter Residue
If your car’s been exposed to slush, salt or mud (hello, snow carparks!), a post-winter wash isn’t just about appearances – it’s about preventing corrosion.
Salt and road grime can build up underneath your vehicle, particularly around brake lines, wheel wells and suspension components. Left unchecked, it can cause:
- Rust
- Corrosion of key parts
- Long-term structural damage
Thorough cleaning is an essential part of seasonal car maintenance and it’s a great excuse to make your car feel fresh for spring.
Check Brakes and Suspension After Rugged Driving
Snow chains, wet roads, sudden braking and long holiday drives can all take a toll on your braking system and suspension.
Listen and feel for:
- Squealing or grinding brakes
- Bouncy or rough ride
- Knocking sounds over bumps
- Steering that feels loose or unresponsive
If anything feels off, it’s best to get it checked. Our mobile tyre experts can assess tyre condition, and if we spot any red flags, we’ll refer you to trusted local specialists for brake and suspension servicing.
Spring Holidays Are Coming – Get Ahead Now
With long weekends, road trips and warmer days just around the corner, this is the perfect time to get on top of your seasonal car maintenance.
Don’t wait until you’re packing the boot for a family getaway and realise your tyres are bald or your brakes are squealing. A quick inspection now can save you from stress (and unexpected costs) later.
We Make Seasonal Car Maintenance Easy
At Wheel Change U, we’re all about making car care convenient. Our mobile service means we come to you – at home, at work, or even while you grab a coffee.
✅ Tyre pressure checks
✅ Mobile tyre rotations and alignments
✅ Puncture repairs and replacements
✅ Trusted referrals for full vehicle servicing if needed
Get your car ready for the season ahead, without the hassle.