Spring Car Care: Post-Winter Inspection Checklist for Cuyahoga Falls Drivers

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2/6/20266 min read

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After another tough Northeast Ohio winter, your vehicle has been through a lot. From freezing temperatures and road salt to potholes and slush, winter takes a real toll on cars in Cuyahoga Falls and the surrounding Summit County area. Now that spring is here, it's the perfect time to give your vehicle some well-deserved attention.

At Winston's Complete Auto Care, we've been helping local drivers keep their cars running smoothly for over 20 years. We know exactly what winter does to vehicles in our area, and we've put together this comprehensive spring inspection checklist to help you get your car back in top shape.

Why Spring Inspections Matter

You might be thinking, "My car made it through winter just fine—why do I need a spring checkup?" Here's the thing: winter damage isn't always immediately obvious. Road salt creates corrosion that builds up over time. Temperature fluctuations can weaken hoses and belts. Potholes cause alignment issues that lead to uneven tire wear. By catching these problems early, you can prevent costly repairs down the road.

Your Essential Spring Inspection Checklist

Wash Away Winter's Residue
Before you can properly inspect your vehicle, you need to clean it—especially the undercarriage. Road salt is incredibly corrosive and continues to eat away at metal long after winter ends. A thorough wash, including the wheel wells and undercarriage, removes this buildup and prevents rust formation.
Don't forget to clean your engine bay as well. Salt and grime can accumulate there too, potentially causing corrosion on battery terminals and other components.
2. Check Your Battery
Cold weather is hard on batteries. If your battery struggled to start your car on those frigid Cuyahoga Falls mornings, it might be on its last legs. Spring is an excellent time to have your battery tested.
Look for corrosion on the terminals—those white, crusty deposits that build up over winter. This corrosion can prevent your battery from charging properly and should be cleaned off. Also check the battery cables for cracks or fraying. If your battery is more than three years old and showing signs of weakness, consider replacing it before you get stranded.
3. Inspect Tires Thoroughly
Winter roads are notoriously rough on tires. Here's what to check:
Tread Depth: Use the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread is too worn and you need new tires. Northeast Ohio's wet spring weather requires good tread for safe driving.
Tire Pressure: Temperature changes affect tire pressure. As temperatures rise in spring, check your pressure and adjust according to your manufacturer's recommendations. Proper inflation improves fuel economy and tire life.
Uneven Wear: Look for uneven tread wear patterns, which often indicate alignment issues—a common problem after hitting winter potholes. If one side of the tire is more worn than the other, or if you notice cupping or scalloping, you likely need an alignment.
Visual Damage: Check for bulges, cracks, or cuts in the sidewalls. These can be caused by hitting potholes or curbs during winter driving.
4. Examine Brakes
Your brakes work harder in winter conditions, dealing with wet, icy roads and salt exposure. Listen for any squealing, grinding, or other unusual noises when braking. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side when braking or if the brake pedal feels spongy, have your brakes inspected immediately.
Even if everything feels normal, it's wise to have a professional check your brake pads, rotors, and brake fluid. Salt exposure can corrode brake components, and catching problems early ensures your safety on the road.
5. Test Your Air Conditioning
It might seem early to think about air conditioning, but spring is the perfect time to test it. Turn on your AC and make sure it's blowing cold air. If it's not cooling properly or if you notice strange smells, you might need a recharge or repair. It's much better to discover this now than during the first hot day of summer.
Also, replace your cabin air filter if you haven't done so recently. A fresh filter improves air quality inside your vehicle and helps your AC system work more efficiently.
6. Check All Fluids
Winter can be hard on your vehicle's fluids. Here's what to inspect:
Oil: Check the level and condition. If it's dark and dirty, or if you're due for an oil change based on mileage or time, schedule one soon. Clean oil keeps your engine running smoothly.
Coolant: Check the level in the overflow reservoir. Also look at the color—it should be bright green, pink, or orange depending on your vehicle type. If it's rusty or cloudy, you need a coolant flush.
Brake Fluid: Should be clear or slightly amber. Dark or dirty brake fluid needs replacement.
Power Steering Fluid: Check the level and color. It should be clear, not dark or cloudy.
Windshield Washer Fluid: Top it off. You'll use more of it during spring when pollen and road grime are prevalent.
7. Inspect Wiper Blades and Windshield
Winter weather destroys wiper blades. Ice, snow, and cold temperatures cause the rubber to crack and become brittle. If your wipers are streaking, skipping, or leaving portions of your windshield wet, it's time for new ones.
Also inspect your windshield for chips or cracks. Small chips can turn into large cracks with temperature changes, especially during spring when we get those wild temperature swings here in Cuyahoga Falls. Many chips can be repaired inexpensively if caught early.
8. Look for Fluid Leaks
Park your car on a clean surface and let it sit for a few hours. Then check underneath for any fluid spots or puddles. Different fluids have different colors and locations:
Clear water under the AC condenser is normal condensation
Green, pink, or orange fluid indicates a coolant leak
Dark brown or black means an oil leak
Red or pink could be transmission fluid or power steering fluid
Clear or light brown might be brake fluid
Any significant leak should be addressed promptly to prevent damage and ensure safety.
9. Test All Lights
Walk around your vehicle and test every light: headlights (both high and low beams), tail lights, brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights. Winter moisture can cause bulbs to fail, and salt exposure can corrode connections. It only takes a few minutes to check, but working lights are crucial for safety and avoiding tickets.
10. Check Belts and Hoses
Pop the hood and visually inspect all belts and hoses. Look for cracks, fraying, or soft spots. Temperature extremes cause rubber components to deteriorate. A failed belt or burst hose can leave you stranded or cause engine damage, so it's worth replacing them if they show signs of wear.
Pay special attention to the serpentine belt, which powers multiple components including your alternator, power steering pump, and air conditioning compressor.
11. Inspect Your Exhaust System
Winter's salt and moisture can corrode exhaust components. Listen for any unusual sounds like rattling or hissing, which could indicate a leak or loose component. Also, if you smell exhaust fumes inside your vehicle, get it inspected immediately—exhaust leaks can let dangerous carbon monoxide into the cabin.
12. Test Your 4-Wheel Drive or AWD
If you have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, make sure it still engages properly. Find a safe place (like an empty parking lot) and test it out. Winter is when we rely on these systems most, but spring is when we should verify they're still working correctly for next season.

Don't Forget the Interior
While you're doing your spring inspection, take some time to clean the interior as well:
Vacuum thoroughly, getting all that winter salt and dirt out of the carpets
Clean and condition leather seats if applicable
Wipe down all surfaces
Clean the inside of windows
Check floor mats for wear and replace if necessary
Know When to Call the Professionals

While many of these checks can be done at home, some require professional equipment and expertise. At Winston's Complete Auto Care, we specialize in comprehensive spring inspections for all makes and models, with particular expertise in Toyota, Lexus, Honda, and Acura vehicles.

Our 20+ years of experience serving Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Akron, Tallmadge, Munroe Falls, Silver Lake, and Hudson means we know exactly what to look for after a Northeast Ohio winter. We use quality parts and supplies, and we're invested in our community—your satisfaction and safety are our top priorities.

Schedule Your Spring Inspection Today

Don't wait until small problems become big, expensive repairs. A thorough spring inspection catches winter damage early and helps ensure your vehicle is ready for the warmer months ahead. Whether you need a complete bumper-to-bumper inspection or specific repairs, we're here to help.

Give us a call at (330) 331-4454 or schedule your appointment online at our convenient Cuyahoga Falls location. We're open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and we even offer loaner cars to keep you mobile while we work on your vehicle.

Spring is here, and your car deserves a fresh start. Let Winston's Complete Auto Care help you get back on the road with confidence!