Spring Car Care: 5 Things Memphis Drivers Should Check After Winter

Winter is over in Memphis! Time to get your car ready for warmer days ahead. Even though Tennessee winters are mild, cold weather still affects your car.

Smart drivers check their cars in spring. This simple step prevents big problems later and saves you money.

Your Battery Needs Attention

Cold weather is hard on car batteries. Many drivers don’t know their battery is weak until it dies.

Signs your battery might fail soon:

• Car starts slowly in the morning
• Headlights look dim when you first start up
• You hear clicking sounds when turning the key

Most car batteries last 3 to 5 years. If yours is getting old, spring is the perfect time for a new one. Nobody wants to be stuck at Wolfchase Galleria with a dead battery.

Check Your Tires Now

Winter driving can damage your tires. Small problems now become dangerous blowouts later.

What to look for:

• Worn tread (use the penny test – put Lincoln head-first into the groove)
• Cracks on the tire sides
• Bumps or bulges anywhere on the tire
• Uneven wear patterns

Also check your tire pressure. Cold weather makes tires lose air. The right pressure saves gas and makes your car handle better on Memphis streets.

Test Your Air Conditioner

Don’t wait for the first hot day to find out your AC is broken. Test it now while repair shops aren’t busy.

Turn on your car and let it run for 5 minutes. Set the AC to cold and high fan speed. The air should get cold fast from all vents.

If your AC blows warm air or makes strange noises, get it fixed now. Waiting until summer means paying more and waiting longer for repairs.

Look at Fluids and Filters

Your car needs clean fluids to run well. Winter driving makes them dirty faster.

Check these important fluids:

• Oil should be brown, not black
• Brake fluid should be clear
• Coolant should be bright colored, not rusty
• Power steering fluid should move easily

Don’t forget your air filter. A dirty filter makes your engine work harder and use more gas. A clean filter costs less than $20 but can save you money at the pump.

Listen to Your Car

Your car talks to you through sounds. New noises might mean new problems.

Sounds that need attention:

• Squealing when you start the car (probably a belt)
• Grinding when you brake (brake pads wearing out)
• Knocking from the engine (serious problem – get help fast)
• Rattling underneath (exhaust system issues)

Strange sounds don’t go away by themselves. They usually get worse and cost more to fix.

Why Spring Car Care Matters

Taking care of small problems now prevents big headaches later. A $50 repair today might save you $500 next month.

Plus, you’ll drive with confidence knowing your car is ready for anything. Memphis traffic is stressful enough without worrying about breakdowns.

Get Expert Help

Some car problems are easy to spot. Others need a trained eye to find. A professional inspection catches issues before they leave you stranded.

At Archer’s Auto Care, we’ve helped Memphis drivers since 1981. We know what spring weather does to cars in Tennessee.

Our spring inspection looks at everything – from your battery to your brakes. We only fix what needs fixing and explain everything in simple terms.

Ready for spring? Call us at (901) 362-8863 or stop by 4471 S Mendenhall Rd, Memphis, TN 38141.

We serve drivers in Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Cordova with honest service you can trust.

Our 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty covers all our work. Drive with confidence this spring!