Ancira Auto Group shares maintenance advice for undoing winter's damage

Now that spring has arrived, Ancira Auto Group said it’s important to check your vehicle for possible damage from the long winter months before heading out on the road for a sunny day drive.


Winter weather is especially harsh on cars, so a preventive inspection is necessary, Ancira said in a release.


When you’re checking your vehicle, try not to overlook the car’s chassis, or undercarriage. It’s the skeletal frame on which parts like the engine, tires, wheel axles and brakes are bolted. If it’s neglected after winter, the chassis can cause serious problems, the release said.


The first thing to do is look for rust that may have accumulated due to snow and road salt. If you find any, there are treatments and coating options you can look into to get rid of it. Something else you should do is lubricate the chassis, as the cold weather can dry up grease. Non-lubricated vehicles means screeching, vibrating and a harsh feel, which can be fixed using aerosol lubricant or grease.


Since rough winter road conditions can knock wheel alignment out of place, it’s important to realign wheels and suspension before you get back on the road. This will improve fuel economy as well as vehicle control, and make the drive safer and easier.