Get Your Chevy Ready for Spring With These Essential Maintenance Tips

Winter can be tough on your vehicle—cold starts, road salt, potholes, all the fun stuff. Giving your car a little attention now can help prevent bigger issues down the road and keep everything running smoothly into summer.

Not sure where to start? At Richard Lucas Chevy, our team knows Chevys inside and out. Whether it’s an oil change, tire check, brake inspection, or just a general once-over, we’ll make sure your car’s in great shape for the season ahead.

You don’t have to stress about the details—we’ll handle it all so you can focus on enjoying the drive.

Here’s a simple spring maintenance checklist to help you get started.

1. Deep Cleaning

Your Chevy’s been through a lot this winter, and it’s time to give it some TLC with a proper deep clean. Here’s how to get it looking like new again:

• Pressure wash the undercarriage and wheel wells to blast away salt, dirt, and grime that’s built up over the colder months. Not only does this keep things looking fresh, but it also helps prevent rust and corrosion in areas you might not normally see. 
• Ceramic wax the exterior to protect your paint from spring showers and road debris. It creates a protective layer that keeps the car shining while making it easier to wash off dirt and water. 
• Give the interior a deep clean—vacuum out every crevice, wipe down surfaces, and clean your windows for a streak-free finish. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, consider hiring a pro for that showroom-quality clean. 

A thorough cleaning might take some extra time, but it’s well worth the investment. Not only will it keep your car looking great for months, but it also protects it from long-term damage caused by dirt, grime, and moisture.

2. Check Your Tires

Winter roads can mess with your tire pressure and wear down your tread, which means it’s a good idea to give your tires some attention as we move into warmer months.

• Check your tire pressure (PSI) using a reliable gauge. You can find the recommended pressure on your vehicle’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual. Properly inflated tires will give you better fuel efficiency and improve handling. 
• Inspect the tread depth using the penny test. Simply insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are too worn and need to be replaced. 
• Look for signs of damage like cracks, bulges, or punctures in the rubber that could indicate hidden issues. These could lead to a blowout or affect the tire’s performance. 

If you’re unsure about the condition of your tires, it’s always a good idea to visit a service center for a thorough inspection. A tire rotation and alignment will help even out wear, extend tire life, and ensure your car is performing at its best.

3. Swap Out Wipers & Refill Fluids

Spring showers are around the corner, and you don’t want to be stuck with streaky wipers or low fluids when the rain hits. Here’s how to make sure your Chevy’s ready for whatever the weather throws at it:

Replace Your Windshield Wipers

Wipers lose their effectiveness after about 6-12 months, so it’s time for a refresh. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

• Choose high-quality wipers that contour to your windshield for a streak-free finish. 
• If you hear squeaking or see streaking, it’s a clear sign your wipers need to go. 
• A fresh set will keep your visibility clear during those unpredictable spring downpours. 

Top Off Essential Fluids

A little fluid maintenance goes a long way in keeping your car running smoothly:

• Windshield washer fluid: Keeps your view clear by cleaning off pollen, bugs, and road grime. 
• Coolant: This helps prevent your engine from overheating as the temperatures rise. 
• Brake fluid: Ensures your brakes respond quickly and effectively when you need them most. 
• Transmission fluid: Keeps shifting smooth and prevents transmission damage over time. 

Time for an Oil Change

If you’re due for one, now’s the perfect time. Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and protects all the internal parts.

• Some service centers even offer multi-point inspections with oil changes, helping spot any hidden issues. 

Have our service center check and top off all your fluids during the oil change. It’s a quick way to make sure your Chevy is ready for road trips and whatever comes next.

4. Check Your Batteries

Cold weather is brutal on car batteries, and nothing kills the spring road trip vibe faster than a dead one just when you’re ready to roll. Avoid the headache by staying ahead of battery issues:

Look for corrosion – White or bluish powder around the terminals? That buildup can prevent proper electrical flow. Clean it with a wire brush and a baking soda solution.

Test the charge – Use a multimeter to check the voltage:

• 12.6 volts or higher = Fully charged when the car is off. 
• 13.7-14.7 volts = Good charging range when running. 
• Below 12.4 volts? Time to consider a new battery. 

Check battery age – Most car batteries last 3-5 years. If yours is pushing past that, don’t wait for it to fail—get ahead of the problem and replace it.

Signs you need a new battery:

• Slow engine crank when starting. 
• Dashboard battery warning light flickering on. 
• Dim headlights or weak electrical features (radio, power windows, etc.). 

Our service center can run a load test to see how well your battery holds a charge under real conditions. If it’s weak, they can replace it on the spot—no surprise breakdowns, no getting stranded.

5. Give Your Brakes & Suspension a Quick Check

Spring roads can be wild—potholes from winter damage, unexpected rain, and fresh construction zones mean you need your brakes and suspension in top shape. Here’s how to stay safe:

Brake Check: Stop Before It’s Too Late

Listen for warning signs – If you hear squealing, grinding, or a weird vibration when braking, your brake pads or rotors might be worn down.

Visually inspect brake pads – Look through your wheel spokes:

• If the pads are less than ¼ inch thick, it’s time for a replacement. 
• Uneven wear? You might have a caliper issue. 

Feel your brake pedal – If it’s spongy, you might have air in the brake lines or low brake fluid—both need professional attention.

A full brake inspection includes checking the rotors, brake fluid, and calipers—all things you don’t want to mess around with.

6. Crank Up the A/C

Spring means warmer days ahead, and the last thing you want is to be stuck in a hot car. Let’s get your A/C ready to keep you cool all season long.

• Turn on the A/C and make sure it’s blowing cold air. If it’s not cooling down like it should, it’s time to check the system. 
• Check refrigerant levels—low refrigerant can cause your A/C to blow warm air, so it might need a refill. 
• Inspect the condenser for debris, leaves, or dirt. A clogged condenser can affect performance and reduce cooling efficiency. 
• Swap out the cabin air filter—this helps with air quality and keeps your A/C running smoothly. A clean filter ensures the air circulating inside your car is fresh and free of dust, allergens, and other particles. 

If your A/C isn’t blowing cold, don’t sweat it! Head to our service center for a recharge or inspection, and they’ll have your A/C running ice-cold in no time.

7. Check Your Lights

As days get longer, you’ll want to make sure your lights are in tip-top shape for those early mornings or evening drives.

• Check headlights, brake lights, and turn signals to make sure they’re all working properly. No one wants to deal with a burned-out bulb when they’re already on the road.

Don’t wait for a warning light to go off—take a moment to check your lights before hitting the road.

8. Upgrade Your Emergency Kit

Spring brings new road challenges, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. Here’s how to upgrade your emergency kit for the season:

• Flashlight: You never know when you’ll need it—especially for night-time emergencies. 
• First aid kit: A must-have for any car. Keep it stocked with bandages, antiseptics, and other basics. 
• Portable jump starter: In case your battery decides to quit. 
• Tire inflator: A flat tire is no fun—having an inflator can get you back on the road faster. 
• Rain poncho: It might not always be convenient to find shelter in a downpour. A rain poncho has you covered when you need it. 
• Sunglasses: Let’s be real, you’ll need these for sunny days, and looking cool is always a plus.  

9. Professional Inspection Checklist

Your Chevy works hard for you, so give it the pro-level care it deserves. At Richard Lucas Service Center, our expert technicians use specialized diagnostic equipment to catch small issues before they become expensive problems.

Why It’s Worth It:

• Full Engine & Exhaust System Check – Detect performance issues early to prevent costly repairs. 
• Battery & Charging System Test – Avoid getting stranded with a weak or failing battery. 
• Brake & Suspension Inspection – Make sure your Chevy handles smoothly and stops on a dime. 
• Tire Pressure & Alignment Check – Keep your ride stable, extend tire life, and improve fuel efficiency. 
• Fluid Levels & Leak Detection – Prevent overheating, transmission issues, and low brake fluid problems. 

A full multi-point inspection means you’ll drive away knowing your Chevy is 100% ready for spring.

Trust us to take care of your car, so you can hit the road with peace of mind. Schedule an appointment at Richard Lucas Service Center and drive knowing your Chevy is in expert hands!