How did your car hold up in winter? Rust, misalignment, low fluid levels and worn-out steering and suspension components are just a few ways winter conditions take a toll on our cars, whether they're gas or electric-powered vehicles. Taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance and tender, loving care, especially after a cold winter, helps ensure it runs efficiently, maintains good resale value and lasts longer. Ultimately, you’ll save money and keep you and your family safe on the road.

To keep your car in top shape, our BCAA Automotive Experts compiled a list of must-do car maintenance for when winter comes to a close.

Bonus tip: As part of your spring clean, don’t forget to double check your BCAA Membership plan to ensure you have the right coverage to suit your current needs.

On the outside

1. Wash your car

Letting road salt and other dirt and grime stay on your vehicle when the weather is above zero degrees can cause corrosion and damage to your car. Here are a few spring car-washing tips:

• Be sure to clean the undercarriage which often has road salt buildup.
• Don't wipe off the salt as the grains can scratch off the paint and cause other components to corrode.
• Check for signs of rusting or corrosion and make sure all salt buildup has been cleaned off every exterior surface of your car.

2. Check tire wear and pressure

Make sure you have the right amount of tread on your tires — your tires should have a little more than the minimum tread depth recommended by the manufacturer.

• Check that all four tires are wearing out evenly.
• It's recommended to regularly check the pressures of your tires. You'll find the correct inflation pressure in your owner’s manual, inside the driver’s door or check with the tire manufacturer.
• Do you drive an EV? Pay close attention to tire wear. An EV’s regenerative braking puts less stress on brakes, which means less wear and tear on your brakes. But the quick acceleration and weight of the battery can mean more stress on tires, creating more wear and tear on tires.

3. Only replace winter tires after all threat of snow and freezing temperatures are gone

Hold off on replacing your winter tires if there’s still a chance for snow or freezing temperatures in your region, or if you plan to travel to mountain areas still covered in snow.

Winter tires are legally required on most BC highway routes until April 1, although some highways that go through mountain passes or high snowfall areas require winter tires until April 30. Be sure to get ahead on booking your tire change appointment. It’s important to avoid keeping winter tires on your car for too long after winter's over as it can damage and wear your tires out prematurely. Swap out your tires so their tread lasts longer and they can be used again for more winter seasons.

4. Replace windshield wiper blades

Wiper blades may be easy to forget about until it’s too late and you’re in the middle of a downpour and can’t see through your windshield. Your wiper blades have been subjected to snow, rain, ice and salt spray over winter so they may be pretty worn down.

• Replace your windshield wiper blades every spring at least and then again every fall, or any time they’ve become cracked or torn.
• When you see any streaking on your windshield, that’s a sign your wiper blades need to be replaced.

On the inside

Regular basic maintenance helps you avoid costly repairs down the road and is the best way to save money and ensure you’re safe. Once winter conditions have come to a halt in your area, take your car to an auto service centre to have it checked for the following:

1. Oil and fluids

Get a professional to check your car fluids, such as your windshield washer, transmission, coolant and brake fluids, to ensure they’re at the right levels. For gas-powered cars, you’ll also need checks on your engine oil and power-steering fluid if you have it.

2. Wheel alignment and suspension

Poor road conditions and potholes appear more frequently in the winter and can be harsh on your vehicle's tires, wheel alignment and suspension system. If you travel regularly on pothole-riddled roads, having these checked is important for safety.

3. Brakes

The constant exposure to ice, snow and road salt can really affect your brakes. Get them checked for any corrosion or wear. If you hear a squeaking, whistling or other sounds when applying the brakes — don’t wait — have them checked as soon as possible. Those sounds could mean your brakes are worn or that there are some other issues that need to be assessed. Additionally, even if your brakes don't need replacing, it's still recommended to book a break service after the harsh winter conditions to prolong the life of your brakes.

In EVs, regenerative braking slows down your vehicle so the brake pads and rotors are used much less often. This means that EV brake pads and rotors last a lot longer between servicing. That said, it’s important to have your brakes inspected regularly and we’re happy to inspect them in a BCAA Auto Service Centre.

4. Hoses and belts

Cold temperatures can make belts and rubber hoses brittle and weak. Have these checked for cracking or wear. Replace any hoses or belts that show damage.

5. Battery

Low and freezing temperatures slow down the battery's chemical reaction which forces your battery to work harder. Get your car battery tested and replaced if necessary. Learn more about our top tips for proper car battery care.

If your battery does needs replacing, our BCAA Battery Service Program will come to you*. Plus, BCAA Members save on a new BCAA battery!

Got an EV? An EV battery is a lot more expensive than the ones you find in gas-powered vehicles. To check on your battery’s health, your EV likely has onboard diagnostics to give you real-time data on battery performance, state of health, charging status and cell balancing. Use these diagnostics to evaluate your battery health. If you think you might need to get a new battery, check your warranty. Many EV auto makers offer warranties that cover battery degradation or failure, often for eight years or 160,000 kilometres.

Get your car back in top shape

To help with post-winter car care and safety, BCAA Auto Service Centres offer spring maintenance packages for gas-powered vehicles starting at $71.  Packages come with oil and filter change, wheel alignment check, and a comprehensive 42-point inspection that includes four-tire rotation (if needed), battery and fluid checks, and even a free car wash for BCAA Members!

Stay protected with BCAA

Remember, if the unexpected happens – from needing a battery boost, changing a tire, or even a tow – a BCAA Membership has got your covered with 24/7 Roadside Assistance. Whether you drive a gas-powered, electric or a hybrid vehicle, Members access BCAA’s Roadside Assistance at no extra cost. Plus, BCAA Members save on everyday purchases at hundreds of your favourite brands worldwide.

Not a BCAA Member? Join now!

^{*BCAA Battery Service availability varies depending on vehicle make and model, and is limited to service areas as outlined above.}