The Rock Father™ has collaborated with Goodyear Auto Service for this #SpringCarCare feature.
To some extent you could say it was a “mild” winter here in Northern Illinois, though a more accurate appraisal would be that it was “largely snowless.” Despite a couple big snowstorms that were followed by relatively quick melts, it was still cold, and still icy, even though people made a big deal about the lack of powder. As early warmth arrived in February, bringing with it a quick emergence of sprouts that should’ve still been hidden, Jack Frost quickly struck back, sweeping in with one final arctic blast – as if to serve as a reminder of what winter can do. One thing winter is great at is trashing your vehicle, and with April being National Car Care Month, there’s no better time than now to get ready to rock the road once more.
First thing’s first: Get the salt off of that ride. Whether car or truck, the “salt” (or similar chemical concoction) is eating away at your vehicle. Aside from the obvious, aesthetic issues like damage to paint and finishes, there’s also the often-overlooked spots that you don’t see – like the undercarriage and engine compartment. Make sure to either spray if off good, or take the car to a proper car wash to get the deluxe treatment.
Check your fluids: When it’s cold and wet outside, it’s easy to duck some preventative maintenance, even basic things like an oil change. Chances are, you need some wiper fluid anyway, so let’s get that topped off, but also make sure the oil and filter are good, and if it’s been awhile – take a peek at coolant, power steering, and transmission levels. If you’ve been on the road awhile, it might be time for a full transmission servicing as well. A local technician can help assess the needs.
Check your blades: Windshield wipers have rubber blades. After coming through winter, they’re often vastly degraded and sometimes just flopping around. If they need to be replaced, do it now! Actually, you could even get a free set at Goodyear Auto Service (like I did) during the Spring Car Care Event (see below).
Check your treads: Okay, there’s more to a tire than just a tread, but that’s a starting point. If you made it through winter with worn treads, consider yourself lucky. Stop by the Spring Car Care event at your local Goodyear Auto Service now through April 13th, and you’ll receive complimentary tire tread checks. If you find that it’s time for new tires, you can get an instant $15 off a set of four Goodyear, Dunlop or Kelly tires and free wiper blades when purchasing a set. Even cars that have been in storage through winter are worth a check, as things like dry rot and even chemical damage (from certain cleaners) can impact the rubber.
Check your tunes: There’s a unique spring feeling when it comes to being able to roll the windows down or pop the top for the first time with the music cranked as “spring fever” really sets in. As you’re all aware, music is the foundation of my life, so I’m never without a soundtrack. Hitting the road for spring break? Check out Rock Father Rides: Rockin’ the Road Vol. 1: A Road Trip Playlist. It’s nearly three hours of music, with 45 genre-spanning songs, hand-picked and curated by yours truly on Spotify.
To help you prep your vehicle for your spring and summer travels, make sure to visit your local Goodyear Auto Service center. Having visited Goodyear Auto Service centers before, I know that they always deliver quality and consistent results. And, while preventative maintenance is important for your vehicle, the folks at Goodyear will let you know if they find something out of the ordinary.
Have you ever heard of swollen lugnuts? This is a real thing, and something that the tech spotted when I was getting my new tires this spring. It’s a condition that affects many vehicles from many automakers, especially in climates that have huge temperature swings like we have here. Because the lugs are created by placing a chrome cap on top of a steel nut, moisture can get inside there and split them in time. While it’s not so much a safety issue, this could be a real problem should you ever get a flat. The reason? The lugs will no longer fit the wrench that comes with your spare. It’s little things like this that the crew at Goodyear will look out for, so you can rock the road in a vehicle that’s both clean and safe – ready for the spring and beyond!
BONUS: It’s a Goodyear Giveaway!
Check the Goodyear Auto Service store locator link at GoodyearAutoService.com for a store near you, then leave a comment below with the location! Three (3) lucky readers will receive a $100 credit towards service(s) at their nearest Goodyear Auto Service!
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The Fine Print:
Promotion open to U.S. residents only, ages 18+, void where prohibited. Three (3) Winners will be chosen at random on, about, or after April 13, 2017, and will be notified via email to confirm. If no response within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. Prizing provided and shipped by Goodyear Auto Service. This is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook.
1980s-style Disclaimer: Many will enter, few will win! The Rock Father is not responsible for any lost or misdirected packages. In the rare occasion that a prize does not arrive (which, sadly, has happened), you have no remedy other than moving on.
