Post-Winter Storage Services

Automotive Services After Winter Storage

You may think a vehicle that’s been stored for the winter can’t wear out if it’s not used. But inactivity comes with its own set of problems. Fortunately, post-winter vehicle maintenance from Global Auto Solutions can get your seasonal vehicles ready to roll.

Key Post-Winter Automotive Services

Vehicle maintenance after winter storage includes a variety of services to verify your vehicle’s health from top to bottom.

Comprehensive Inspection

The first seasonal service your vehicle needs is a comprehensive post-storage vehicle inspection. When a vehicle hasn’t been run or driven for a long time, some components can develop damage you may not notice immediately.

Ask a Global Auto Solutions mechanic to inspect your brakes, suspension, and steering for signs of wear or corrosion due to humidity, temperature fluctuations, or fluid or chemical leaks or spills. Belts, hoses, and seals can also develop weakness, stiffness, cracks, or dry rot from extreme cold or lack of use.

Inactivity can also affect battery health, because batteries lose their effectiveness if not cycled regularly. You can prevent this to some extent by running your engine for a few minutes once or twice a month while it’s in storage, but a mechanic should still test the battery health to be sure.

Inspection services also typically include checking fluid levels and tire condition. Although you can perform a simple visual check yourself, a professional may catch issues you might not notice, such as signs of a slow fluid leak or weakness in the tire walls due to improper storage.

Fluid Replacement and Maintenance

After storage, part of your post-winter engine maintenance should include a full fluid replacement service from Global Auto Solutions. Some fluids can degrade due to extreme temperatures, while others should just be topped up to ensure the vehicle is ready for a full season of travel.

First, the mechanic will flush any systems contaminated with moisture or additives used for winterization to ensure the system is ready for summer use. Then, they’ll inspect and change your engine oil, transmission fluid, and coolant, if needed. This helps your vehicle run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Fluid maintenance also includes topping up systems that naturally lose fluid over time. The service provider adds brake fluid and power steering fluid to achieve the correct pressure for effective braking and steering. They’ll also top off your windshield washer fluid, so you’re less likely to need a refill halfway through the season.

Tire Care and Wheel Alignment

Long-term storage can cause the special rubber used for tires to dry rot or crack, so scheduling a post-winter tire and brake service is a must. Depending on how the tires were stored, a professional will inspect them for flat spots, dry rot, or other winter wear. This is especially important if the tires were left on the vehicle, rather than stored separately, because the pressure from the vehicle’s weight can strain the rubber and cause flat spots or weakness.

Tire rotation and wheel alignment also help ensure vehicle readiness for spring driving by correcting vibrations and balancing out wear from storage or slick winter roads. If you put winter tires on the vehicle, {client}'s technicians can also swap them for summer or all-season tires at this time.

Battery and Electrical System Check

Frigid temperatures slow the chemical reactions batteries use to store and provide power. Over time, this reduces the battery’s capacity. Every vehicle, whether stored or driven, should have a battery and electrical check after winter to verify that the battery remains reliable and the electrical systems haven’t been corroded or otherwise damaged by cold, ice, or road salt.

In addition to testing the battery’s charge capacity, your Global Auto Solutions service technician will inspect your starter, alternator, and fuses. They may also test electrical connections, looking for shorts or exposed or corroded wiring that could cause shorts later on.

Brake and Suspension Service

One of the most critical components of your spring auto maintenance is the brake and suspension service. Driving on slick, icy roads puts a lot of strain on your brake system, and road salt is highly corrosive, breaking down critical components like rotors and calipers. Salt buildup can also cause components to seize up and prevent your brakes from stopping you effectively. Even if the vehicle has been stored, cold weather, inactivity, or salt and moisture accrued before storage can also cause the brakes to freeze up.

Your suspension can also degrade over the cold winter months. Shocks and struts can corrode from salt or humidity, and moving parts can also seize up and reduce your shock absorption. Winter weather also brings potholes, which can wreak havoc on suspension, causing cracks or warping. Having {client}'s mechanics inspect your suspension can help ensure a smooth ride all season long. 

Post-Winter Cleaning and Detailing

Getting your vehicle professionally cleaned isn’t just about looks. Vehicle detailing after winter protects your ride from corrosion and rust. The vehicle should undergo a thorough exterior wash and winter residue cleaning to remove salt, dirt, and grime that can wear away paint and damage the underlying metal. The undercarriage also needs to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent corrosion to critical systems or structures.

Interior detailing removes moisture, dust, or even mold that can accumulate while a vehicle is in storage. This helps prevent costly repairs from debris gumming up the controls, and it also provides a clean and comfortable ride you can take pride in.

Safety and Functionality Checks

Every spring vehicle inspection should include safety and functionality checks. Scheduling a vehicle safety check after winter ensures safety features like headlights and wipers remain functional after storage.

During the Global Auto Solutions's vehicle safety inspection, the mechanic tests your lights, signals, and even wipers to protect your visibility on the road. They also test your entire HVAC system for proper heating and cooling, whether the weather is 100º in the shade or a late-spring frost.

The mechanic even inspects your windshield and windows to verify their integrity. The windshield is a critical structural component that can save your life during an accident or rollover. If there are any cracks or chips that could compromise its structural integrity, your mechanic may recommend a replacement.

Spring Into the Season With Post-Winter Vehicle Maintenance From Global Auto Solutions

When it’s time for spring vehicle maintenance, head over to Global Auto Solutions. Since 1999, we’ve been helping our Lawrenceville, GA customers get their stored vehicles road-ready. Schedule your post-winter vehicle checkup by calling us at (770) 931-0222 or dropping by our shop at 2710 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30044.